MUSCAT: Oman, represented by the Social Protection Fund (SPF), hosted the 62nd meeting of the Technical Committee for Civil Pension and Social Insurance Authorities in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) from August 18 to 20.
The three-day meeting brought together representatives from across the region to review progress and chart future directions for cooperation in pension and social security systems.
The discussions highlighted the GCC’s strategic goal of extending social insurance coverage to citizens working outside their home countries within the bloc. The unified system ensures that Gulf nationals enjoy equal protection and benefits, regardless of where they are employed in the region.
The meeting also addressed the development of the unified system for coverage, monitoring statistical indicators, enhancing mechanisms for contribution collection, advancing training and capacity building; and reviewing progress in electronic linkage initiatives that enable smoother data exchange among GCC pension and insurance systems.
On the sidelines, the Social Protection Fund organised an interactive session for GCC citizens working in Oman, allowing them to engage directly with representatives from regional pension institutions. “Having direct answers from officials helps clarify our rights under the unified system. It gives us confidence that our contributions are secure, no matter where we work in the GCC”, said Saud al Kindi, a private-sector employee in Oman.
Participants agreed that the committee’s work lays important groundwork ahead of the upcoming meeting of GCC pension and social insurance heads. Statistical updates shared during the sessions reflected the growing number of citizens benefitting from the unified system, underscoring its relevance in today’s interconnected labour market.
Experts noted that sustained cooperation is vital as Gulf economies diversify and labour mobility increases. By harmonising systems and sharing expertise, GCC nations can better safeguard their citizens against uncertainties while ensuring equitable benefits across borders.
Observers also underlined that Oman’s hosting of the 62nd meeting reflects its growing role in shaping social protection policies in the region. The Muscat gathering, they said, was not only a routine technical exercise but also a step towards building a comprehensive Gulf-wide safety net rooted in solidarity, fairness and shared prosperity.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
