MUSCAT: The Social Protection Fund (SPF) has elucidated the approved procedures for establishing the disappearance of an insured individual or a pension beneficiary, reaffirming the system's continued provision of support to families under all circumstances.
The Fund stated that Article (63) of the Social Protection Law provides for the disbursement of a monthly allowance to eligible beneficiaries of a missing person, equivalent to the pension value that would have been payable in the event of the insured's death. This allowance shall be payable from the date on which the fact of disappearance is legally established, thereby ensuring the stability of the family's living conditions.
The Fund further explained that the procedure for proving a disappearance commences with notification of the competent police station and the drafting of an official report containing the details and surrounding circumstances of the incident. This is followed by the issuance of an official certificate, which constitutes the legal basis for submitting an application for the allowance to the Fund. The Fund thereafter examines the application and disburses the allowance in accordance with the controls stipulated in the law and its implementing regulations.
The Fund also noted that the employer bears the responsibility of reporting cases of disappearance upon becoming aware of them, as part of an integrated framework of institutional roles. With respect to the continuity of support, the Fund clarified that upon the lapse of four years from the date of disappearance, or upon the actual or judicial confirmation of death, the allowance is converted into a permanent pension, payable to eligible beneficiaries according to the legal entitlements.
The Fund confirmed that if the missing person is verified to be alive, the allowance will be suspended or the pension cancelled. Moreover, should it be determined that the disappearance was intentional, the individual shall be legally obliged to refund all amounts paid out, in accordance with the applicable legal procedures. The Social Protection Fund emphasized that these procedures are designed to safeguard the rights of families and preserve their stability in exceptional circumstances. - ONA
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