SPF redefines equity with social changes
Muscat: In line with Oman Vision 2040, which places citizens at the core of development, Social Protection Fund (SPF) is emerging as a pioneering model in building a responsive, inclusive, and transparent welfare system. Far from being a top-down provider of benefits, the Fund engages directly with society to shape its policies and adjust to evolving socio-economic realities.
In this exclusive interview, Oman Observer spoke with Malik bin Salim bin Suleiman al Harthy, Director-General of Entitlements at the SPF, who shed light on the Fund's mechanisms for identifying benefit priorities and how public participation translates into more equitable and efficient outcomes.
Al Harthy began by emphasising the importance of the Royal Decree No 52/2023, which marked a turning point in Oman's welfare reform.
'The law reflects a shift toward a holistic model of protection, combining social insurance and cash benefits to offer life-cycle coverage,' he said.
The executive regulations of the law (R/7/2023) clearly outline eligibility conditions and entitlements, providing the legal basis for a sustainable and inclusive protection system.
According to Al Harthy, interaction is not limited to feedback collection.
'We use advanced tools — social media, traditional media, in-person meetings, and field visits — to understand public needs. All this data is methodically analysed to inform our policies.'
This participatory approach has already led to tangible results. For instance, the Family Income Support Benefit was introduced for households whose income falls below the legally defined threshold. The application process is streamlined through a digital platform, integrated with national data sources to ensure accurate eligibility assessments.
The impact of this engagement is evident in several newly introduced benefits.
Malik bin Salim bin Suleiman al Harthy
'The Senior Citizens Benefit was developed after careful demographic study and public input,' Al Harthy said, noting that the benefit now supports over 170,000 individuals.
Similarly, the Maternity and Paternity Leave Insurance — a first in Oman and rare in the region — was launched based on international best practices and national studies.
'It's an investment in families. Mothers are entitled to 98 days of paid leave, and fathers to 7 days, which strengthens family bonds and promotes gender equality.'
The SPF's commitment to transparency underpins its public credibility. 'We clearly publish the eligibility rules, application procedures, required documents and payment timelines,' said Al Harthy.
Beyond administrative clarity, the Fund ensures consistent public communication through outreach events, media appearances, and feedback forums across all governorates. Civil society representatives also sit on the SPF Board of Directors, ensuring community perspectives are embedded in the decision-making process.
Unlike traditional systems that review policies every few years, the SPF applies continuous impact evaluation.
'We analyse economic indicators, inflation, household structures and labour market shifts to regularly review and adapt benefit schemes,' Al Harthy explained. This agile model prevents resource misallocation and ensures support reaches those who genuinely need it, even as conditions evolve. 'The International Labour Organization called our pension unification reform a 'model structural transformation' in the region,' said Al Harthy. In 2024, Oman received the ISSA Good Practice Award for Asia and the Pacific, with additional recognition for other projects. Al Harthy closed the conversation with a powerful message:
'We are not merely providing assistance — we are building a modern social contract. Justice is not shaped from offices but forged with people, in the field, by listening and adapting.'
With robust legislation, digital tools, and a participatory spirit, Oman's Social Protection Fund is setting a benchmark — not only in the region but globally — for how governments can partner with citizens to achieve inclusive and sustainable development.
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