Muscat: On Monday, the Social Protection Fund (SPF) issued a statement regarding non-Omani workers covered by the maternity leave insurance branch. The provisions of this insurance are mandatory for non-Omani workers in both the public and private sectors covered under the Labour Law.
The maternity leave insurance branch will come into force on July 19, as stipulated in the Social Protection Law No. 52/2023, Chapter 7. Its provisions will apply to all workers in the Sultanate of Oman, including those with temporary contracts, training contracts, and retired workers.
Omani men and women who benefit from the maternity leave allowance, as defined in the Social Protection Law and its executive regulations, include all workers in various sectors (public, private, etc.) and all types of contracts.
The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Social Protection Fund issued Decision No. R/10/2024, which specifies the categories subject to the maternity leave insurance branch for non-Omani workers. This decision was published in the Official Gazette on June 30, 2024. It states that non-Omani men and women working in state administrative units and private sector commercial establishments, who are subject to the Labour Law, are eligible for the maternity leave allowance. However, domestic workers, cooks, drivers, farm workers, and similar categories are not covered under this law.
Malik Al-Harithi, Director General of Benefits at the Social Protection Fund, clarified that this decision is specific to non-Omanis working in the country and defines the groups included. Workers registered with a commercial registry are covered, while those on personal work visas, such as domestic workers and drivers, are not. This decision also does not apply to self-employed Omanis, part-time Omanis, Omanis working in GCC countries, or Omanis working abroad.
Al-Harithi explained that employers must pay a 1% contribution for workers registered with the Ministry of Labor in the commercial registry. This is done electronically by registering their data in advance in the Ministry of Labor system, with invoices issued to them.
Radhya Al-Mahrouqi, Director General of Contributions, stated that as of the implementation of this branch, employers are obligated to pay monthly contributions of 1% of the wage for the maternity leave insurance branch. This branch covers the total contributions of the insured male and female workers and the employer for elderly, disability, and death insurance during the leave period. The employer disburses the allowance due for maternity and paternity leave, with the Fund committed to reimbursing or settling these payments.
The social protection system aims to expand its coverage to include all working groups, both citizens and residents, providing insurance benefits for a decent and sustainable living. It also aims to provide appropriate social protection against potential risks such as illness, old age, disability, and death.
The Social Protection Fund called on all employers to update the data and wages of Omani and non-Omani workers with the competent authorities to ensure decent, fair, and adequate social protection for all segments of society, from childhood to old age, and to achieve stability and social solidarity in society.
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