Muscat: The recently issued law on the rights of persons with disabilities outlines comprehensive measures to ensure equal opportunities in education, healthcare, employment, and social participation, reaffirming Oman’s commitment to inclusion and equality.
Under the law, all persons with disabilities are guaranteed the right to education without discrimination. Educational institutions are required to provide appropriate learning environments, specialised services, and trained staff to support students according to their physical, mental, and sensory abilities. The law also mandates that curricula be adapted to suit the individual needs of learners, ensuring inclusive education at all levels.
Furthermore, a specific percentage of scholarships and study grants, both within the Sultanate and abroad, will be allocated to students with disabilities, in coordination with the Ministry of Education and other competent authorities.
The legislation also calls for the creation of policies and programmes for the educational inclusion of persons aged between four and twenty-two, supported by rehabilitation and training services. Preventive healthcare measures, early detection of disabilities, and genetic counselling are also included among the responsibilities of relevant government bodies.
In terms of healthcare, the law requires authorities to provide medical and psychological rehabilitation, preventive and therapeutic services, and to equip homes with suitable medical facilities when necessary. Institutions are also prohibited from conducting medical or scientific experiments on persons with disabilities without their explicit consent.
Socially, the law guarantees the right to marriage and family life on an equal basis with others. It requires the provision of accessible housing and community support for those unable to work, and promotes the integration of persons with disabilities into cultural, sports, and recreational activities.
The law also exempts assistive devices, rehabilitation equipment, and adapted vehicles from customs duties and value-added tax, and waives fees for construction permits related to accessibility improvements. In addition, legal proceedings involving persons with disabilities are exempted from court fees when related to the protection of their rights.
Employment provisions in the new law oblige public institutions to reserve at least 5 per cent of job vacancies for qualified persons with disabilities. Private employers with more than 40 employees are also required to meet the same quota. Workers appointed under these provisions are entitled to equal pay, benefits, and reasonable workplace adjustments.
The law further grants persons with disabilities access to vocational training, financial support, and entrepreneurship programmes, as well as reduced working hours for employees who have a disability or care for a family member with one.
By enacting this legislation, Oman underscores its ongoing efforts to promote inclusion, protect human rights, and provide a dignified and independent life for persons with disabilities across all sectors of society.
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