MUSCAT : The number of beneficiaries receiving social protection benefits in Al Buraimi Governorate reached 38,190 by the end of July, reflecting the continued expansion of social and insurance coverage across the governorate.

Hilal bin Salem Al Shamsi, Director of the Social Protection Department in Al Buraimi Governorate, told the Oman News Agency that efforts are continuing to ensure legally mandated benefits reach eligible beneficiaries.

Childhood benefits accounted for the largest share, with more than 29,000 beneficiaries, followed by benefits for the elderly with more than 4,000 beneficiaries. Family income support reached an average of 2,896 beneficiaries, while 1,379 people received disability benefits and 522 beneficiaries received benefits for orphans and widows.

The Wilayat of Al Buraimi recorded the highest number of beneficiaries, at 33,868. This included 25,738 childhood beneficiaries, 3,846 elderly beneficiaries, 2,617 recipients of family income support, 1,201 people receiving disability benefits and 466 beneficiaries under the orphans and widows category.

In Mahdah, 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 beneficiaries under the orphans and widows programme.

Al Sunaynah recorded 128 beneficiaries, comprising 88 children, 23 elderly people, 12 family income support recipients, four beneficiaries with disabilities and one beneficiary under the orphans and widows category.

Another 2,138 beneficiaries were distributed across various benefit categories in the governorate’s three wilayats.

On social insurance and the labour market, Al Shamsi said the number of insured people working in the government and private sectors, as well as self-employed individuals, reached 14,517 by the end of July.

The number of registered private-sector establishments in the governorate also increased to 748.

He said new insurance branches covering maternity leave, job security and work-related injuries continue to be implemented to strengthen protection for both insured individuals and employers.

The department has completed 12,903 transactions during the current year, covering benefit applications, inquiries and insurance services. It also provided 2,345 field services and implemented 23 proactive services aimed at anticipating the needs of beneficiaries.

The department has also participated in local festivals and community events as part of its outreach efforts.

Al Shamsi said the Al Buraimi branch has been designed according to environmentally friendly specifications and is fully equipped to meet the accessibility needs of people with disabilities.

Self-service devices have also been introduced alongside an integrated digital service network comprising the electronic portal, the Himaya application, call centre and WhatsApp service.

The digital system has enabled greater electronic integration with relevant authorities, helping accelerate the processing of applications while reducing the need for physical visits and paper-based transactions.

Al Shamsi added that awareness programmes, introductory workshops and field campaigns will continue in coordination with government and private entities and members of the community.

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