Result achieved

Linked projects

Outcome summary

In 2023, the government of Oman adopted regulations for the establishment of a new national provident fund responsible for administering end-of-service benefits to migrant workers payable upon retirement, disability, death, or returning to their home co...

Outcome achieved

In 2023, the government of Oman adopted regulations for the establishment of a new national provident fund responsible for administering end-of-service benefits to migrant workers payable upon retirement, disability, death, or returning to their home countries. The fund is the first of its kind in the region to safeguard the social protection benefits of migrant workers within a state-owned institution and represents an important tool for facilitating the safe and dignified transition of migrant workers back to their countries of origin or onward migration.

ILO's contribution to the outcome

The ILO has worked in close partnership with Tawazun and ILO constituents in Oman to support the development of the design of the fund and rules governing its operations. This has entailed the provision of technical assistance on policy, legal and governance, aspects of the reforms through a team of technical experts coordinated by the Regional Office for Arab States in Beirut and the Social Protection Department in Geneva.

Gender equality & non-discrimination

New provisions in Oman’s social protection law will provide stronger protections for women and pave way to greater gender equality. This includes: a) Guaranteeing a pension in old age, de-linked from previous contributions, which will disproportionately benefit women; b) A guaranteed minimum survivors’ benefit for widows and orphans will ensure the ability to maintain a minimum standard of living after the death of a spouse or parent c) New government-funded universal benefits for children and persons with disability will also support women, who typically bear the burden of care at home; d) the extension of maternity and paternity benefits, marking Oman out as a leader among Arab States. The new system will provide women with a longer leave, consistent with ILO minimum standards, during which the Social Protection Fund will cover the cost of pension contributions. In addition, with the new law, Oman will introduce seven days of job-protected paid paternity leave at 100 per cent of salary.

SDG

SDG SDG
Goals
  • End poverty in all its forms everywhere
  • Reduce inequality within and among countries
٢٠٢٣ OMN154 8.3.1