The 9th Scientific Conference of the College of Law commenced this morning under the theme “The Role of the Legislative System in Social Protection”. The event, held at Maani Hotel Muscat, was held under the patronage of His Excellency Professor Mahad bin Said Ba’Owain, Minister of Labour, in the presence of His Highness Sayyid Dr. Fahd bin Al Julanda Al Said, the Vice-Chancellor, along with a number of academics and faculty members from the Sultanate of Oman and other countries.

The conference takes place amid significant legislative developments in Oman in the fields of social protection and labour. It aims to analyse related national legislation, review international best practices, and contribute to the sustainability of the legislative system while ensuring a balance between development requirements and social justice, in line with Oman Vision 2040.

In the opening remarks delivered on behalf of the organising committee, Dr. Abdulrahman bin Mohammed Al-Kharusi, Head of the Department of Private Law and Head of the Public Relations and Media Committee of the Conference, affirmed that social protection is the cornerstone of development, and the legislative system must serve as a stronghold that safeguards rights, preserves interests, and keeps pace with the transformations of the modern age. He added that Oman Vision 2040 places social protection at the heart of its objectives.

Khalifa bin Salim Al-Ghufaili, Director of Legal Affairs at the Social Protection Fund, presented a visual presentation on social protection in the Sultanate of Oman and its historical development up to the present. The presentation also highlighted the structure and objectives of the social protection system, as well as its programmes, policies, and various benefits extended to all social groups. Al-Ghufaili further emphasised that the system’s role extends beyond financial support to eligible categories, encompassing social and cultural dimensions as well.

The conference features three sessions that explore various aspects of social protection from civil and commercial, constitutional and criminal, as well as Sharia and procedural perspectives. In addition, a special session is dedicated to joint research papers presented by students of the College of Law at SQU.