SIO Begins Contacting Eligible Khatwa Programme Beneficiaries
TDT | Manama
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The Social Insurance Organisation announced it has begun contacting participants in the Khatwa programme for Home-based Projects, who have added previous service periods and have been verified as meeting the requirements for activity, by laws and regulations.
The SIO confirmed that it has started contacting those who meet the legal requirements after reviewing all documents and notes. The authority is also contacting those who do not meet the requirements to initiate legal settlement procedures.
The organisation stressed the importance of cooperation from all parties to protect retirement fund assets, promote transparency and accountability, serve the public interest, and safeguard the rights of subscribers.
It's worth noting that the Ministerial Committee for Legal and Legislative Affairs announced last week the suspension of retirement pensions for violators of the Khatwa Programme for Home-based Projects who unlawfully added previous service periods under voluntary insurance.
It's worth noting that the Ministerial Committee for Legal and Legislative Affairs announced last week the suspension of retirement pensions for violators of the Khatwa Programme for Home-based Projects who unlawfully added previous service periods under voluntary insurance.
The decision, effective January 2025, aims to ensure the programme benefits eligible citizens and prevents misuse of pension and social insurance funds. In October, the committee reviewed 1,413 cases of programme participants who added previous service periods, verifying compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. Of these, 1,094 provided the required documents and clarifications within the given timeframe.
The committee emphasised the government's commitment to implementing the recommendations of National Audit Office’s investigative review of the Khatwa programme. It highlighted that violations included offences under the Penal Code and Social Insurance Law, such as forgery and collusion to unlawfully obtain compensation, pensions, or benefits. Penalties for these offences could reach up to 10 years in prison, as stipulated by law.
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