It’s essential to understand a country’s society before assessing the quality of its social security system—there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. That said, Oman’s social security service is impressive by any standard. Compared to the UK, Oman enjoys some key advantages in caring for its most vulnerable citizens. These strengths stem not only from government support but also from the country’s smaller population and the close-knit relationships within extended families.
As people live longer, the elderly, especially, need strong social support. Sometimes, I feel that you can gauge a society by the number of care and nursing homes it has. The UK has over 17,000 care homes. While some offer excellent facilities, the best ones are expensive and out of reach for most. I’ve visited a few of the more affordable UK care homes and was shocked at the poor facilities and the treatment of elderly residents. Many of these places seem more like “dumping grounds” for families who don’t want the responsibility of caring for their ageing relatives.
In Oman, things are very different. While there may be a few care homes for the elderly, they are almost unheard of. Why? Because it is unthinkable for most Omanis to leave their elderly loved ones in the care of strangers, many of whom in the UK show little respect for the elderly. Omani families support their elderly relatives at home and treat them with respect. Additionally, the government of the Sultanate of Oman provides extra support for the elderly.
Dr Ahmed al Wahibi from the Ministry of Health has developed an elderly care programme that operates through primary health centres across the country. He has urged families to encourage older people to visit their doctors, stay active in the community and share their wisdom and experience.
The respect Omanis show for their elderly stands in stark contrast to what happens too often in the UK, where elderly patients in hospitals are frequently described in the media as “bed blockers,” and the increased lifespan of the elderly is often regarded as an “economic burden” rather than something to be celebrated.
Owing to the excellent family support for the elderly and the foresight of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, Oman is leading the GCC with a social insurance scheme covering maternity, paternity and sickness benefits. New laws have introduced significant changes, including universal government-funded benefits: cash support for children under 18, pensions for seniors over 60, and disability allowances. All these benefits will be streamlined under the newly established Social Protection Fund.
Migrant workers, who make up over 75 per cent of Oman’s workforce, are also covered. They will receive benefits for work injuries, maternity, and sickness under the same terms as nationals. In a regional first, a national provident fund will provide end-of-service benefits for migrant workers. Under His Majesty’s vision, Oman is developing an international reputation as a country that cares for all its people, both nationals and expatriates.
Karim Easterbrook
The writer is a former school principal, UK
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