Latest news with #SocialProtectionFund
Zawya
4 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: SME Authority hosts 16th Social Protection Services dialogue
MUSCAT: The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority held its 16th dialogue session in Muscat, centring on social protection services for SMEs, in alignment with the strategic goals of Oman Vision 2040. The event brought together Halima bint Rashid Al Zari'iya, Chairperson of the Authority, officials from the Social Protection Fund, SME owners, and stakeholders from relevant entities. Deliberations focused on increasing partnership and integration between small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and interested stakeholders, enriching supportive policies to encourage SME development. They were also aimed at imparting entrepreneurs with the passion to introduce new ideas that drive the development of priority economic sectors. To this end, steps are being taken to improve the overall business environment and make it more favorable for SMEs and to scout for viable opportunities for such businesses in various economic sectors. The meeting was intended to foster cooperation, innovation, and operational efficiency across the SME sector—objectives that align with Vision 2040's diversification of the economy, empowerment of the private sector, and sustainable development agenda. Discussions on issues of current concern such as insurance coverage, subscription to the Social Protection Fund, and mechanisms for SME support were designed to help the Authority establish a better business environment and enhance resilience of small business. With Oman's move towards a knowledge economy, the inclusion of SMEs in social protection systems ensures a more inclusive growth and efficient social safety net—two pillars of utmost importance to the Vision. The Authority renewed its commitment to an enabling, competitive, and economic space with SMEs as the center of national prosperity. It concluded with an open discussion that encouraged frank conversation between policymakers and SME owners, further solidifying participatory and inclusive nature underpinning Oman Vision 2040's government and institutional development strategy. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Observer
4 days ago
- Business
- Observer
SME Authority hosts 16th Social Protection Services dialogue
MUSCAT: The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority held its 16th dialogue session in Muscat, centring on social protection services for SMEs, in alignment with the strategic goals of Oman Vision 2040. The event brought together Halima bint Rashid Al Zari'iya, Chairperson of the Authority, officials from the Social Protection Fund, SME owners, and stakeholders from relevant entities. Deliberations focused on increasing partnership and integration between small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and interested stakeholders, enriching supportive policies to encourage SME development. They were also aimed at imparting entrepreneurs with the passion to introduce new ideas that drive the development of priority economic sectors. To this end, steps are being taken to improve the overall business environment and make it more favorable for SMEs and to scout for viable opportunities for such businesses in various economic sectors. The meeting was intended to foster cooperation, innovation, and operational efficiency across the SME sector—objectives that align with Vision 2040's diversification of the economy, empowerment of the private sector, and sustainable development agenda. Discussions on issues of current concern such as insurance coverage, subscription to the Social Protection Fund, and mechanisms for SME support were designed to help the Authority establish a better business environment and enhance resilience of small business. With Oman's move towards a knowledge economy, the inclusion of SMEs in social protection systems ensures a more inclusive growth and efficient social safety net—two pillars of utmost importance to the Vision. The Authority renewed its commitment to an enabling, competitive, and economic space with SMEs as the center of national prosperity. It concluded with an open discussion that encouraged frank conversation between policymakers and SME owners, further solidifying participatory and inclusive nature underpinning Oman Vision 2040's government and institutional development strategy.
Times of Oman
5 days ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
Dialogue session highlights social protection services for SMEs
Muscat: The Authority for Development of Small and Medium Enterprises (Riyada) on Wednesday organised a dialogue session on social protection services for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The session included insurance coverage for SMEs, subscriptions to the Social Protection Fund and other incentives offered to SMEs. The session aimed to encourage SMEs partnerships with the public and private sectors, in addition to raising awareness of the importance of SMEs services as a key measure in supporting the national economy. It was attended by Halima Rashid Al Zar'ai, Chairperson of the SMEs Authority, officials from the Social Protection Fund, representatives of the parties concerned and owners of SMEs.
Times of Oman
5 days ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
Dialogue session highlight social protection services for SMEs
Muscat: The Authority for Development of Small and Medium Enterprises (Riyada) on Wednesday organised a dialogue session on social protection services for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The session included insurance coverage for SMEs, subscriptions to the Social Protection Fund and other incentives offered to SMEs. The session aimed to encourage SMEs partnerships with the public and private sectors, in addition to raising awareness of the importance of SMEs services as a key measure in supporting the national economy. It was attended by Halima Rashid Al Zar'ai, Chairperson of the SMEs Authority, officials from the Social Protection Fund, representatives of the parties concerned and owners of SMEs.
Observer
10-06-2025
- Business
- Observer
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.
