Social Protection in Oman

Before 2023, Oman’s social protection system was fragmented, excluding certain societal groups, particularly migrant workers, and lacking uniformity in benefits and contribution rates across social insurance schemes. The existence of multiple pension fund systems led to disparities among employees in different sectors, creating inequalities in social security coverage and financial protection. Under the leadership of Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said, Oman began shifting towards a universal social security scheme, consolidating pension systems into the one single fund. In July 2023, these efforts culminated in the launch of the Social Protection Fund (SPF), Oman’s official entity responsible for implementing social protection initiatives and programs across the Sultanate.

What is the Social Protection Fund (SPF)

The SPF is central to Oman’s vision for equitable social and economic reform, ensuring all citizens benefit from economic diversification while being protected from factors that may impact their economic participation. This initiative, involving 16 government entities, focuses on delivering critical pension schemes and benefits to promote long-term social and economic stability for both Omanis and non-Omanis. Using a rights-based approach, the government aims to restructure the system to achieve financial balance within the country, aligning with international working standards. Oman not only aims for reform adoption, but also for a societal shift towards a more informed, engaged, and empowered citizenry where everyone’s rights are guaranteed. The merging of multiple existing pension funds aims to address inefficiencies, reduce duplication, and create a more coherent and robust social protection framework that aligns with the broader goals of “Oman Vision 2040.”

How Can Social and Behavioural Change Support the SPF?

MAGENTA is spearheading a Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) approach to address challenges in awareness, engagement, and uptake of the SPF. Balancing the need for diversification while ensuring social welfare and stability requires strategic decision-making and effective communication. This presents a key opportunity to leverage SBC principles to strengthen the SPF’s services, communications, and human-centered approach. By integrating SBC into the SPF system and making it more citizen-centered, the goal is to enhance public engagement and increase citizen motivation to access and interact with these services.

Core benefits of an SBC approach to social protection:

• Encourages Public Awareness & Trust – Helps people understand the benefits of social protection reforms, increasing confidence and willingness to participate.

• Improves Compliance & Uptake – Motivates individuals and employers to actively enrol, contribute, and follow regulations.

• Reduces Resistance to Change – Addresses misconceptions, cultural barriers, and fears associated with reform transitions.

• Promotes Financial Literacy – Equips beneficiaries with the knowledge to manage social benefits effectively and plan for long-term security.

• Strengthens Institutional Engagement – Encourages government agencies and service providers to adopt citizen-centred approaches for better implementation.

• Ensures Equity & Inclusion – Encourages marginalised groups, including women, youth, and migrant workers, to access and benefit from protection schemes.

• Sustains Long-Term Impact – Embeds positive behaviours around social security, financial planning, and resilience within communities.

Enhancing the SPF Through Social and Behavioural Change

Behavioural Analysis

To support the success of SPF reforms and enhance public engagement, MAGENTA conducted in-depth mixed-methods research to assess public perceptions, understanding, and trust in government social protection initiatives.

Qualitative: 10 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and 18 In-Depth Interviews (IDIs) with general public, vulnerable groups, workforce participants and expatriates across multiple rural and urban governates.

Quantitative: Population survey of 1,000 participants, sampling stratified by governorate and disaggregated by clusters, age, and gender.

Social and Behavioural Change Strategy

Based on the findings of the research phase, the SBCC strategy was designed around the following communication objectives:

• Ensuring effective government-led communication using clear and consistent messaging through accessible channels

• Building trust and transparency by communicating government policies and actions, countering misinformation, and engaging key stakeholders

• Establish an adaptable communication framework that addresses the psychological, social, and environmental dimensions of the reform

To ensure stakeholder buy-in and shape an effective SBCC strategy, MAGENTA led four interactive, two-day participatory workshops:

Securing the Future of the SPF in Oman