MUSCAT – The decision, approved by the Fund’s Board of Directors and based on the Social Protection Law issued by Royal Decree No. 52/2023, replaces earlier provisions under Ministerial Decision No. 437/2010. It will take effect from the day following its publication in the Official Gazette.

Under the new framework, the loss of an insured person or pensioner, defined as an individual whose whereabouts are unknown and whose life or death cannot be verified – must be reported to the competent police station. Authorities will issue an official report and certificate confirming the case, including details such as the individual’s identity, date of disappearance, and circumstances.

Employers are required to notify the Fund immediately upon confirmation of an employee’s disappearance. Eligible beneficiaries or their legal representatives must then submit an application to the Fund, along with the official police certificate, to receive a monthly allowance in accordance with the law.

The decision further stipulates that if the missing person’s status remains unresolved for four years, or if death is subsequently confirmed either factually or through a legal ruling, the date of disappearance will be treated as the date of service termination for pension calculation purposes.