MUSCAT – Hamoud Al Shabibi affirmed that the new law marks a significant step forward in promoting inclusion, empowerment, and equality for persons with disabilities across the Sultanate. He pointed out that the law sets out a comprehensive framework of principles and objectives designed to enhance the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities.

“This law contains a set of principles and objectives to be achieved, including empowering persons with disabilities, ensuring non-discrimination, prioritising support for those with the most severe disabilities, promoting their integration into society, and enabling their participation in sustainable development,” Al Shabibi said.

He explained that services for persons with disabilities have been continuously evolving, requiring cooperation across both the public and private sectors.

“One of the main challenges has been ensuring inclusiveness and accessibility of services,” he said, noting that the Ministry has, towards this end, established a development lab dedicated to designing and improving programmes and services for persons with disabilities. Among its outcomes was the expansion of coverage to wilayats that previously lacked rehabilitation and training services.

He added that the new law will facilitate greater efficiency in service provision, as it provides a permanent and binding framework for all relevant authorities, ensuring coordination and consistency in the implementation of disability-related programmes.

The new legislation is expected to strengthen Oman’s international standing in human rights indicators and disability inclusion.

“This law aligns with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). It reflects Oman’s commitment to international standards and will enhance the national legislative framework in key areas such as equality, education, health, employment, and empowerment,” Al Shabibi noted.
The Ministry is currently preparing the executive regulations of the law to clarify and operationalise its provisions.

“There are around 23 articles that require further details to be specified through these regulations. Some articles will also require separate ministerial decisions. The Ministry has already begun coordination with relevant entities to finalise these details,” Al Shabibi said.

He confirmed that articles not dependent on executive regulations officially came into force on 3 November.

A key provision of the new law mandates that 5 percent of jobs in both the public and private sectors be allocated to persons with disabilities.

“This article is explicit and binding for all entities,” Al Shabibi said. “In the private sector, any establishment employing 40 or more workers must allocate 5 percent of its positions to persons with disabilities.”

He added that this represents a significant policy advancement — the previous quota stood at 2 percent — and noted that the percentage could be increased in future with the approval of the Council of Ministers.

“The Ministry will coordinate closely with the Ministry of Labour and other relevant bodies to ensure the full and effective implementation of this article,” he affirmed.