Muscat – The Social Protection Fund (SPF) is preparing to introduce several new insurance programmes between 2026 and 2028 as part of efforts to expand social protection coverage and enhance job and financial security in the labour market.

The initiatives were announced at a press conference on Tuesday called by SPF. The new programmes will include sick and non-routine leave insurance for all workers, a compulsory savings scheme for expatriates, and occupational injury insurance for foreign employees.

The sick and non-routine leave insurance programme is scheduled to begin in 2026. Under the scheme, a contribution of 1% of the employee’s gross salary will be paid without a salary ceiling, with the employer responsible for covering the cost.

Sayyid Shabib Abdullah Al Busaidi, Deputy CEO of SPF, said the programme aims to transform sick leave into an insured entitlement that protects workers’ income and employment stability during illness or emergency situations.

In 2027, SPF plans to introduce a mandatory savings scheme for expatriate workers. Employers will contribute 9% of the employee’s basic salary to the programme. The scheme is intended to replace the traditional end-of-service gratuity with a structured savings mechanism designed to secure the financial rights of foreign workers at the end of their service.

Occupational injury insurance for expatriate workers is scheduled to be implemented in 2028. The programme will require a contribution of 1% of the employee’s gross salary, with a wage ceiling of RO3,000, and will be fully borne by the employer. The scheme is aimed at providing insurance coverage in the event of workplace injuries and enhancing occupational safety standards in the labour market.

Meanwhile, statistical indicators released on Tuesday showed continued expansion of Oman’s social protection system.

According to the data, SPF now serves nearly 64% of the population covered under the system, representing around 3.3mn beneficiaries through various programmes and benefits.

The number of beneficiaries receiving childhood benefits rose from 1,236,501 in 2024 to 1,251,274 in 2025 – an increase of 1.2%. Annual benefit recipients also grew to 174,662, marking a rise of 4.2%.

Disability benefits were provided to 49,906 people, while 42,016 households received support through the household income support programme. A further 16,761 cases continued to receive social security assistance.

Other beneficiaries included 10,217 orphans and 5,489 widows.

Under social insurance programmes, the number of beneficiaries receiving living pension totalled 97,170. Active beneficiaries of death pension stood at 100,632, while 684 people were receiving job security allowance.

Key Numbers:

            •           2026 – Launch of sick and non-routine leave insurance

            •           2027 – Launch of mandatory savings scheme for expatriates

            •           2028 – Launch of occupational injury insurance for expatriates

            •           1% – Employer contribution for sick leave and occupational injury insurance

            •           9% – Employer contribution for expatriate savings scheme