Monday 20 / October / 2025
Muscat: The State Audit Institution (SAI) has reported a sharp rise in public complaints and reports during 2024, marking a 45 percent increase compared to the previous year, signalling increased public engagement and vigilance in oversight matters.
According to figures from the SAI’s annual report, the total number of complaints and reports jumped to 1,378 in 2024, up from 951 in 2023 — a 45 percent increase. Financial and administrative irregularities accounted for the largest share, climbing from 606 cases in 2023 to 732 in 2024. Reports related to the disruption of citizens’ interests more than doubled, reaching 460 cases compared to 217 the previous year.
There was also a rise in employee grievances, which increased from 52 to 93, while improper tendering process complaints grew from 43 to 56.
Cases involving abuse of power inched up to 37, compared to 30 a year earlier. No complaints were categorised under “others” in 2024 compared to three in 2023.
The increase, officials said, reflects greater public awareness and confidence in the institution’s reporting channels.
The SAI noted that improved accessibility and transparency have encouraged citizens to come forward with suspected cases of misuse or mismanagement of public funds.
In addition to the complaints data, the SAI’s 2024 annual report highlighted financial recoveries totalling around OMR58 million for the public treasury — including OMR25 million collected in 2024 and OMR33 million from 2023 recoveries.
The institution said its efforts continue to support national goals of accountability, integrity, and financial efficiency in line with Oman Vision 2040.
