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The law introducing 98 days of maternity leave and seven days of paternity leave will come into force in July as part of the social security system and its implementing regulations. From July 19, the Social Security Fund (SPF) will implement maternity leave insurance for Omani and non-Omani employees in various sectors in the Sultanate of Oman.
The new law marks a significant shift in social protection towards a comprehensive, holistic approach across the life cycle. It ensures the integration of social assistance and social insurance schemes to guarantee dignity and well-being with a decent standard of living, and to increase employment opportunities and active labour force participation.
The program is part of a strategic effort to improve SPF benefits, in line with the goal of Oman Vision 2040 to ensure well-being and social security to support a decent and sustainable life for all. This new legislation aims to create a more attractive and responsive labor market, characterized by flexibility, efficiency, and the ability to effectively respond to challenges. It prioritizes state capacity, improves institutional performance, and improves administrative practices.
The law takes into account the social aspects of the workforce to improve productivity and performance, especially that of women. Under the new regulations, women are entitled to 98 days of maternity leave, with the option of taking it 14 days before the expected date of birth. Men are entitled to 7 days of paternity leave, provided the child is born alive, and must be taken within 98 days of the child’s birth. These leaves are included in the employee’s actual service period.
Employers are not allowed to ask women to return to work during maternity leave. If an insured woman changes her place of work, she will continue to receive maternity benefits based on her last salary before changing her place of work. Huda al Jardaniya, director of the SPF Maternity Benefits Program, explained that according to Article 128 of the Social Protection Law, employers must contribute 1% of the monthly salary to maternity insurance.
The regulations apply to all Omanis working in Oman, regardless of the type of contract, including temporary workers, trainees and retired workers, as well as specific categories of non-Omani workers determined by the Council. However, these regulations do not apply to self-employed Omanis, part-time Omani employees, Omanis working in GCC countries, or Omanis employed abroad. Maternity insurance is one of the branches of social insurance outlined in the Special Benefits Law and is intended to provide social security by ensuring that women on maternity leave receive 100% of their wages during the period of maternity leave.
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