While bidding farewell to 2023, there is a sense of sadness at its departure even as we prepare to celebrate the coming year, which is more interesting.
In Oman, there is happiness in the air among citizens, as the benefits of the social protection system will begin to unfold.
These benefits will contribute to improving the quality of life, as the system under which they fall touches all segments of society.
There is no doubt that the social protection policies and its system are one of the issues on which the new development model of the Sultanate of Oman is based.
It will contribute to better directing social benefits and assistance to the neediest groups, and at the same time, it is consistent with the development of specific groups and enabling them to move to a good quality of life.
Being one of the basic pillars of any country, the social protection system aims to provide support and care for the neediest groups, improve the quality of life of individuals, and meet their basic needs.
Come January 2024, monthly assistance of RO115 will be extended to Omani residents who are 60 years or older. In addition, RO10 per month will be given to Omani children under 18 years of age residing in the country.
Also, the government – through the Social Protection Fund (SPF) – will be extending financial support of RO130 per month to each person living with some sort of permanent disability or illness that requires constant support and care. Widows and orphans are also entitled to monthly support of RO80 per month if all conditions are met.
Under the Orphans and Widows Benefits programme, the government provides monthly financial support to help people facing challenges resulting from the loss of their family’s breadwinner.
Through the implementation of these benefits, social stability and social solidarity in society will be enhanced.
Indeed, the upcoming entitlements drawn by the social protection system at the individual, institutional, and societal levels, in light of the changes taking place and the economic and social data, reflect the priority of the citizen in the lofty vision, and the concern and keenness of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to provide a decent life and safe living for the citizen.
Since the very first day of his rule, His Majesty confirmed his sincere endeavor to set up a new phase of Oman’s renewed Renaissance that meets the requirements of the upcoming period and fulfills the aspirations of the Omani people as well as preserve the achievements that took place over the past five decades.
Even though I am not in any category that will benefit, I say thank you to the government of His Majesty for this important step, which is an important pillar for any society that aims to ensure the well-being and security of its citizens.
The social protection system comes at a defining stage in the history of the Sultanate of Oman, as it will eliminate some of the challenges that people face. Such benefits will directly benefit the citizen and the country at large.
I must also mention that the new social protection system will achieve stability in the lives of citizens, and will work to equalise opportunities among them, which will establish an integrated social protection system for everyone.
Bye-bye for now and Happy New Year!
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