Latest news with #AlHouti
Observer
18-02-2025
- Business
- Observer
SPF highlights benefits of social security for Omani citizens working in GCC
MUSCAT: In a move aimed at enhancing social security for Omani citizens working in the GCC countries, the Social Protection Fund has reiterated that their contributions enhance their job security and guarantee them a stable standard of living regardless of their work conditions or change in their place of residence. In an interview with the Observer, Abdullah bin Ibrahim al Houti, a subscription specialist at the Social Protection Fund, stated, "The purpose of this system is to ensure the provision of insurance protection for Omani citizens working in the GCC countries. This allows them to benefit from old age, disability, and death insurance, as well as maintain their retirement benefits even while working outside the Sultanate of Oman. The system represents social security that enhances their financial stability and provides them with job security." When asked how the system contributes to enhancing social security, Al Houti explained, "The system provides a social safety net for Omani citizens abroad, guaranteeing them and their families financial stability in the event of retirement, disability, or death. This directly contributes to enhancing their sense of job security and guarantees them a stable standard of living regardless of their work conditions or change in their place of residence." Regarding the target groups for this system and the specific conditions that must be met to register an Omani worker, Al Houti affirmed, "The system includes all Omani citizens working in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, whether in the civil, private, or military sectors." "The process begins with registering the employer first according to the procedures approved in the country of the workplace. This is followed by registering the Omani employee by following the procedures in that country and submitting the required documents to the Social Protection Fund in the Sultanate of Oman." Regarding the registration mechanism, whether it is automatic when working in a Gulf country or if the citizen must take certain steps, Al Houti said, "Registration is not automatic. The employee and the employer must take actual steps to register and submit the registration request with the required documents to the relevant authorities in the country of the workplace. The documents include the unified form approved by the retirement authority in the country of the workplace. The requirements of the employment contract should include a valid copy of the personal ID card and a certified statement of salary progression from the date of joining the job." Regarding the benefits Omanis registered in this system receive compared to workers inside the Sultanate of Oman, Al Houti said, "Omani citizens working in the GCC countries receive the same level of insurance protection as if they were working inside the Sultanate of Oman, including insurance for retirement age, disability, and death. These benefits guarantee their retirement and social rights equally with their colleagues working inside the country." "Contributions are based on the wage subject to subscription, where the contribution rate is 18.5 percent of the registered wage, distributed as 7.5 percent paid by the insured and 11 percent paid by the employer. If the employer's contribution in the country of work is less than the required rate, the insured bears the difference." On future plans, Al Houti said, "We are constantly working to improve the system's mechanisms through civil retirement funds and social insurance institutions in the GCC countries. There is an ongoing study to expand the scope of the system to include additional benefits such as registration and payment facilities to ensure its sustainability and meet the needs of Omani workers abroad." "Coordination between the GCC countries is taking place through periodic meetings and specialized technical committees aiming to unify registration procedures and facilitate the transfer of retirement contributions and benefits between member states. This contributes to ensuring that Omani citizens benefit from their retirement rights fairly," he added. Al Houti said that as of the end of January 2025, the number of Omanis registered in the system reached 7,118 people. The United Arab Emirates tops the list of countries where Omanis work, followed by Qatar and Kuwait. "We have witnessed a significant increase in the number of registrants, reflecting the growing awareness among Omani citizens of the importance of this system in securing their retirement future. I call on all Omani citizens working in the GCC countries to take the initiative to register, as this will guarantee their insurance rights and provide them with social protection. They can visit the Social Protection Fund website ( to check their retirement status and register if necessary." QUOTE "Omani citizens working in the GCC countries receive the same level of insurance protection as if they were working inside the Sultanate of Oman, including insurance for retirement age, disability, and death. These benefits guarantee their retirement and social rights equally with their colleagues working inside the country." - Abdullah bin Ibrahim al Houti, a subscription specialist at the Social Protection Fund
Sharjah 24
28-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Sharjah 24
Saeed bin Saqr, Haitham bin Saqr attend Poetry event
The event focused on his poetry collection "Al Ijaz and Al Injaz," shedding light on the significant achievements witnessed by the country in various fields. Al Houti mentioned to "Sharjah24" that the poetry event, attended by Rashid Al Zaabi, the official of the Eastern Region in the department, Dr. Ahmed Saeed Al Mazroui, the director of Kalba Municipality, and a gathering of officials and residents, focused on highlighting the substantial development that Kalba city has undergone through his poems in the collection "Al Ijaz and Al Injaz." He noted that the session is part of a series of literary programmes by the Literary Council and the Department of Culture to enhance public taste and promote cultural activities in the region across various forms of arts and literature.
