Muscat: In a comprehensive update, the Minister of Social Development revealed that authorities have handled 39 cases of human trafficking, alongside monitoring 8 women at risk of abuse and addressing 26 cases involving abused women. A specialized unit dedicated to receiving human trafficking cases has also been established, marking a significant step in strengthening Oman’s family protection system.
Efforts to support youth have also been scaled up. The ministry managed 806 juvenile cases, including 604 involving delinquency and 102 cases of youth at risk of deviance. Rehabilitation and reform programs reached 73 juveniles, complemented by 13 awareness initiatives aimed at promoting positive reintegration into society.
Special attention has been given to elderly care, with 34 residents currently housed in care facilities, while 6,996 individuals benefited from financial aid, rehabilitation, and awareness services. Notably, the care loss rate dropped to 26%, reflecting improved quality and sustainability of services.
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Under the generous patronage of His Majesty Haitham bin Tarik, Oman’s social development sector is set for further expansion in 2025. Key initiatives include the continuation of social security pensions for over 100,000 citizens, totaling RO 178 million, and ongoing assessments for the Family Income Support program.
Additional reforms include the establishment of marriage funds across all governorates, the creation of a dedicated sector to empower persons with disabilities, and the allocation of RO 7 million for autism spectrum disorder centers. The government has also issued the Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and introduced regulations for premarital medical examinations.
In the field of rehabilitation, Oman has expanded its infrastructure to 139 centers nationwide, serving 9,933 beneficiaries, with an additional 5,321 individuals supported through service purchase programs. Plans are also progressing for a 21,000 square meter autism center, with 60% of design and study phases completed, as well as a 17,000 square meter rehabilitation complex in Sultan Haitham City, whose designs are now fully complete and expected to serve 360 beneficiaries.
