Early retirement scheme for people with disabilities

22 September 2025 1 min read

By Hamood Al Rawahi, Mehdi Al Lawati, Balall Maqbool and Saba Adel Mustafa

At a glance

  • Oman's Social Protection Fund has announced new early retirement regulations for people with severe disabilities.
  • Retirement at the age of 50 will be available without pension deduction where an employee has completed 15 years of service.
  • Optional early retirement from age 45 will be possible with pension deductions.
  • The employee is required to have a severe disability certification from the Ministry of Social Development.
  • Covers conditions like autism, Down syndrome, severe physical disabilities, and significant visual or hearing impairments.
  • Applications are processed through the Social Protection Fund service centres.

Oman's Social Protection Fund has announced new early retirement regulations for people with severe disabilities. Key features of the scheme include: 

  • Retirement at the age of 50 will be available without pension deduction where an employee has completed 15 years of service.
  • Optional early retirement from age 45 will be possible with pension deductions.
  • The employee is required to have a severe disability certification from the Ministry of Social Development.
  • Coverage for specific conditions including autism, Down syndrome, severe physical disabilities, and significant visual or hearing impairments. 

Qualifying disability criteria include: 

  • Intellectual disability (IQ below 70).
  • Visual impairment (2/60 or less with medical aids).
  • Hearing impairment (61 decibels or higher with hearing aids).
  • Severe physical disabilities based on functional assessment. 

Applications will be processed through Social Protection Fund service centres, with comprehensive administrative and technical review procedures. The scheme aims to balance social protection with financial sustainability through strict eligibility criteria and systematic implementation.

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