Human Rights Watch (HRW) on Wednesday commended Oman’s new Social Protection Law, as “a step in the right direction.”
The law, decreed last year by Haitham Al Tariq, the Sultan of Oman, was later approved by the Council of Oman. It offers a range of economic benefits and assistance, including a monthly universal child benefit for all families, disability allowances, and financial aid for widows and orphans. Additionally, it introduces new provisions such as paternity leave, unemployment insurance, and more. HRW considers this could greatly enhance the socioeconomic position of the nation’s residents, particularly those who have face economic hardships.
The law is especially significant for the 1.8 million migrant workers in Oman, many of whom work under the Kafala System, through which the legally residing status of the worker is directly linked to their employer. Although the system, which is applied in several countries, has been criticized by human rights groups all over the world it continues to be followed. Migrant workers, who contribute 20 percent of the nation’s gross domestic product, have historically been excluded from several social protection programs. The new act extends benefits to them, including maternity leave, sick leave, and other provisions similar to those enjoyed by Omani workers.
In its latest budget, Oman has allocated 32.7 percent to social infrastructure, amounting to 560 million Omani Rial (approximately $ 1.4 billion). The changes brought on by it, as per HRW, could be transformative, with senior economic justice researcher Lena Simet stating: “Oman’s new social security law is a blueprint for the country and the region. More needs to be done, however, to ensure it is accessible to all and is sufficiently funded to ensure the benefits are adequate for everyone to have a decent living at any point of their life.”
HRW has also proposed a number of further changes which can be made to advance the impact of the reforms even more, such as ensuring the laws to be non-discriminatory, and balancing human rights with sustainable development.
