CITIZENS PRAISE OMR100MN SOCIAL SECURITY INITIATIVE
The Social Security Scheme has been endorsed by His Majesty Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik, said the Ministry of Finance
MUSCAT: Omani citizens have welcomed the Social Security Scheme launched by the Ministry of Finance, with the endorsement of His Majesty Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik.
Hilal Al Amrani, a businessman from Wilayat Sohar in North Al Batinah, said the initiative showed the efforts being taken by the government to help local businesses during the challenging times of the pandemic.
“When you find His Majesty issuing these decisions, you realise that our Sultan and the government have great interest in supporting businesses and SMEs to help them overcome the difficulties we currently face,” he said.
“I can only thank His Majesty the Sultan for his support, and his confidence and determination in our ability to overcome all the difficulties we experience currently.”
Adding to this, Mohammed Al Badi from Wilayat Saham said, “This has come at a time when many of us who have been affected by the coronavirus are in need of such assistance. These decisions by His Majesty are a message to every citizen that although we might be affected by the pandemic, our Sultan displays a keen interest in the welfare of his citizens, and Omani society.
“This gives us reassurance of His Majesty’s closeness to us, and shows us he is aware of the challenges we face in light of the pandemic,” he added.
“I am very proud of what His Majesty has provided for us. This shows we have a leader who is compassionate, caring, and listens to his people and society,”
Among the plans of the Social Security Scheme (SSS) are improved support to programmes run by the Ministry of Social Development to handle cases relating to insolvency, and the absolving of debts linked to the soft housing loans programme of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, for citizens who earn less than OMR350 a month.
Two initiatives
All outstanding dues of citizens enrolled under two initiatives – the Sanad Programme and the Livelihood Resources Programme – are also to be written off. Furthermore, through Oman Development Bank, interest free financial incentives are to be provided to those involved in sales and mobile services, homemakers, taxi owners licensed to operate in hotels and airports, women’s empowerment projects, and those employed in the fisheries sector.
Emergency financing
Emergency financing will also be provided to holders of Riyada cards through the SME Development Authority, while those who have applied for the Job Security Benefit scheme and meeting its criteria will receive extended benefits. Applications of people that have been received beyond their deadline will also be considered. This extension is to run until the end of 2021.