UNICEF welcomes the launch of Oman’s new national social protection system

Muscat, 26 July 2023 – UNICEF welcomes the Sultanate of Oman’s launch of its comprehensive, integrated and progressive social protection system aligned with Oman Vision 2040, the 10th Five-Year Development Plan and the Sustainable Development Goals. 

The new law represents a significant shift towards a comprehensive and holistic approach to social protection across the life cycle. It ensures integration between social assistance and social insurance schemes to guarantee dignity and well-being for a decent standard of living and strengthens employment opportunities and active labour participation.

UNICEF contributed to supporting the Government of Oman in designing the new social protection system that puts vulnerable groups, including People with Disability and children, at the heart of its design. The new system aligns with international best standards and practices and will enable Oman to build a productive and competitive economy.

“We congratulate the Government of Oman for this important and strategic milestone that will have a positive impact on people, including children, across their lifecycle,” said HE Sumaira Chowdhury, UNICEF Representative to the Sultanate of Oman.

HE Chowdhury expressed UNICEF’s excitement to see the Sultanate of Oman launching a universal child grant and disability, maternity, and family support benefits that resonate with the national vision objectives in building the human capital and diversified economy.

“We appreciate UNICEF’s support in contributing to the design of the new Social Protection system where they played an integral role in bringing international and successful expertise” said Mohammed Salim Al-Qalhati, the head of the Pension and Social Protection reform project in Tawazun.

Around the world, UNICEF is a leading global partner in social protection, working in more than 140 countries to support a wide range of policies and programmes – from social cash transfers to social welfare services and delivery systems – that address child poverty in all its dimensions.

In Oman, UNICEF is working with the government to enhance policies, programmes, services and systems in the social sector to improve the well-being of children.   UNICEF looks forward to continuing the partnership with the Government of Oman, represented by the new Social Protection Fund, in implementing the social protection law in collaboration with sister United Nation (UN) agencies, such as the International Labour Organization (ILO).

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