Muscat, Jan 19
Through the Royal directives the social protection system has been strengthened, and the principles of social justice and economic stability have been firmly established.
Dr Laila bint Ahmed al Najjar, Minister of Social Development, emphasised that His Majesty Sultan Haitham's keen interest in the social development sector reflects the national vision that places the individual and the citizen at the heart of its priorities and reinforces the concepts of social justice and community solidarity.
Over the five years, His Majesty issued a number of Royal Decrees and orders that strengthened the social protection system.
According to the Ministry of Social Development (MoSD), in 2021, the initiative to support needy families was launched, providing monthly financial assistance for four months to 8,136 individuals, at a total cost exceeding six million Omani rials. The same year also saw the disbursement of additional social assistance payments to 6,304 beneficiaries at a cost of RO 288,000.
In October of the same year, further assistance was provided to 2,700 beneficiaries at a cost of RO 233,000. Also in 2021, Royal Decree No. (33/2021) concerning pension and social protection systems was issued, establishing a modern legislative framework that enhances the sustainability of social protection in the Sultanate of Oman.
In the year of 2022, the scope of social welfare expanded to include civil society organisations and people with disabilities. In January, Royal Directives were issued to provide financial support to 42 government and private rehabilitation centres for people with disabilities, totalling RO 420,000. Additionally, financial support was provided to 64 Omani women's associations and their branches, totalling RO 1.28 million. In April of the same year, an additional social security payment was disbursed to 73,115 beneficiaries in conjunction with the holy month of Ramadhan, at a total cost exceeding RO 7million. His Majesty also directed the provision of school supplies and meals for the children of social security and low- income families for the 2022-2023 academic year. This initiative benefited 24,390 students, with total support reaching RO 1,671,200.
The year 2023 witnessed a clear strengthening of the role of civil and volunteer work. In January, His Majesty issued Royal Directives to provide financial support to volunteer teams affiliated with social development committees in all governorates of the Sultanate of Oman, in addition to supporting 15 charitable societies that support the Ministry’s efforts in serving the community, with total support exceeding RO 9.275 million. Also in the same year, Royal Decree No. (52/2023) concerning the Social Protection Law was issued, representing a significant step in developing and enhancing the comprehensiveness of the social protection system, thus contributing to achieving social welfare through a methodology governed by justice for all segments of society.
In 2024, efforts continued to develop the institutional structure of the social development sector through the issuance of Royal Decree No. (14/2024), which defined the responsibilities of the Ministry and approved its organisational structure. Under this decree, social security responsibilities were transferred to the Social Protection Fund, the name of the Directorate General of Social Welfare was changed to the Directorate General of Partnership and Community Development and three new Directorates General of Social Development were established in the governorates of Muscat, Al Batinah South, and Al Sharqiyah North, in addition to the creation of seven social development centres in several wilayats (districts).
His Majesty's noble vision for the year 2025 was embodied in a series of Royal Decrees and directives that extended his ongoing support for citizens and the building of a stable social life. He ordered a Royal Grant of RO 178 million to support more than 100,000 citizens, in addition to extending social and insurance protection to citizens throughout 2025 by continuing to disburse existing social security pensions.
The year of 2025 concluded with the issuance of Royal Decree No. 111/2025, regulating premarital medical examinations. This decree aims to enhance family health and societal stability, aligning with national policies and directives that strengthen the position of the Omani family and solidify its cohesion and stability by providing a safe and healthy psychological environment that contributes to building a stable and informed society.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
