More than 38,000 people receive social protection benefits in Al Buraimi

Muscat: The number of beneficiaries of social protection benefits in Al Buraimi Governorate reached 38,190 by the end of July, reflecting the expansion of social and insurance coverage across the governorate, according to the Social Protection Fund.

Hilal bin Salem Al Shamsi, Director of the Social Protection Department in Al Buraimi Governorate, said the social protection system continues to ensure that legally mandated benefits reach eligible recipients.

The Childhood Benefit accounted for the largest share, with more than 29,000 beneficiaries, followed by the Elderly Benefit with over 4,000 beneficiaries. The Family Income Support Benefit served 2,896 people, while 1,379 benefited from the Disability Benefit and 522 from the Orphans and Widows Benefit.

Al Buraimi recorded the highest number of beneficiaries at 33,868, comprising 25,738 children, 3,846 elderly people, 2,617 family income support beneficiaries, 1,201 people with disabilities and 466 orphans and widows.

In Mahdah Wilayat, the number of beneficiaries stood at 2,056, including 1,354 children, 355 elderly people, 201 family income support beneficiaries, 97 people with disabilities and 49 orphans and widows.

Al Sunaynah Wilayat recorded 128 beneficiaries, comprising 88 children, 23 elderly people, 12 family income support beneficiaries, four people with disabilities and one orphan or widow. A further 2,138 beneficiaries were distributed across various benefits in the governorate.

On the social insurance and labour market front, Al Shamsi said the number of insured individuals working in the government, private and self-employed sectors reached 14,517 by the end of July. The number of registered private-sector establishments stood at 748.

He added that implementation of new insurance branches, including maternity leave, job security and work-related injuries, is ongoing to strengthen protection for both insured individuals and employers.

The department processed 12,903 transactions during the year, covering benefit applications, inquiries and insurance services. It also provided 2,345 field services and 23 proactive services aimed at anticipating customer needs, in addition to participating in local festivals and community events.

The department's Al Buraimi branch features environmentally friendly infrastructure and facilities designed to improve accessibility for people with disabilities. It also offers self-service kiosks and digital services through the electronic portal, Himaya application, call centre and WhatsApp, helping streamline applications and reduce paperwork and in-person visits.

The department is also continuing awareness programmes, workshops and field campaigns in cooperation with government and private institutions and community members to explain the Social Protection Law, eligibility requirements and available digital services, while helping beneficiaries access their social and insurance rights.