Citizens rejoiced as they received money from Social Protection Fund on Thursday.
This development brings the Sultanate of Oman closer to the definition of welfare state as it shows the commitment to provide basic economic security for those who are dependents.
Children, elderly, orphans and widows, people with disability started getting benefits, which was announced through a Royal Decree by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik last year.
The total number of registered beneficiaries in the social protection scheme as of Wednesday reached 1,286,600. Children below 18 years are eligible for RO 10 , RO 115 for the elderly, RO 130 for people with disabilities, while the benefits for individuals classified under orphans and widows is RO 80.
Seventeen-year-old Lamees al Habsi was excited when she had heard about the announcement of fund. On Thursday, her mother received the notification that money has been deposited in her account.
“Lamees has already told us she wants to save the money and would not want to touch it. The younger ones, however, have already got plans for their allowance,” said Umm Lamees.
It is an excellent initiative to support and make them aware of finance. They can now learn for future, how they can save money. I am grateful to His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik for this thoughtful gesture,” said Umm Lamees.
Many people have received money. The others who did not receive on Thursday are expected to receive in the following days.
Bint Zahra called her mother in Samayil congratulating her and encouraging her to give the family a treat. Her mother readily agreed.
“This initiative has given the elderly a sense of sufficiency because they do not have to depend on anyone if they want to purchase anything for themselves,” Bint Zahra said.
The initiative has also witnessed the elderly to have their own bank accounts now.
“How do I feel? Two of my children are above 18 and the younger one is 12. But I feel just like the petrol support has been based on people’s income, this also could be more for people who really need it so they can have more. And the same with adults because some people already draw good pension after retirement,” said Umm Adnan.
The social benefit dominated the social media platforms in the country with one of the popular theme being, “Let the elders treat the meal and let the younger ones provide the dessert.”
A period of three months were given to register for the benefits and open the bank accounts. However, ATMs are only for account holders who are above 18 years of age.
“Many families have even planned out ‘Jamaya’ amongst the children, teaching them to save and plan,” said yet another mother.
The Sultanate of Oman enacted the novel Social Protection Fund Law (SPFL), Royal Decree No 52/2023, enhancing the social welfare framework by creating a single and unified protection fund.
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