The Ministry of Social Development (MoSD) has revealed that it detected 67 cases of unauthorised public fundraising across several governorates during the past year, involving a total amount of approximately RO30,000. Muscat governorate recorded the highest number of violations with around 20 cases, according to the ministry.

Regulatory Framework and Risks of Unlicensed Campaigns

The ministry emphasized that it is responsible for regulating public fundraising in accordance with the Public Fundraising Licences Regulation issued under Ministerial Decision No 336/2024. This regulation clearly defines the rules governing charity campaigns and prohibits unauthorised collection of funds from the public.

Officials highlighted that donations represent an ethical and social responsibility, stressing that every contribution is a trust that must be handled with the highest levels of transparency and integrity. They warned that unlicensed campaigns pose risks of fraud and misuse of donations, urging the public to verify the credibility of any fundraising initiative before making contributions.

MoSD stressed that compliance with these regulations is essential to protect donors’ funds and ensure that charitable contributions reach legitimate beneficiaries. The ministry advised donors to ensure that any campaign is officially licensed by MoSD, clearly states its purpose and duration, and is carried out through recognised channels.

Jood Platform: A Secure Alternative for Charitable Giving

The ministry underscored the importance of the Jood charity platform, the country’s official online platform for charitable giving. The platform currently includes 64 volunteer teams, 31 charitable associations and five endowment institutions, enabling donations to be collected and distributed in an organised and transparent manner.

The platform provides secure digital payment channels, allows donors to track relief campaigns launched by licensed organisations, and helps prevent duplication of assistance by ensuring funds reach eligible beneficiaries accurately. Since its launch in October 2023, the platform has attracted more than 344,000 donors, with total contributions exceeding RO4mn, reinforcing public confidence in regulated and transparent charitable work in the sultanate.

According to the ministry, the Jood platform has become a crucial tool in ensuring that charitable efforts are both legitimate and effective. The platform’s success has demonstrated the importance of a regulated system in safeguarding public trust in charitable activities.

MoSD officials have called on the public to use the Jood platform for all charitable contributions, citing its reliability and transparency. The ministry also reiterated that any unlicensed fundraising activities are not only illegal but also pose a threat to the integrity of the charitable sector.

With the rise of digital platforms, the ministry warned that the public must remain vigilant and verify the legitimacy of any fundraising campaign before contributing. This includes checking for official licensing and ensuring that the campaign is registered with MoSD.

Looking ahead, the ministry plans to intensify its efforts to monitor and regulate public fundraising activities. This includes increasing awareness campaigns and enforcing stricter penalties for unlicensed fundraising. The goal is to create a safer environment for donors and ensure that charitable contributions are used effectively to support those in need.

Analysts have noted that the ministry’s actions align with broader efforts to modernize and regulate the charitable sector in Oman. With the Jood platform serving as a central hub for charitable giving, the ministry is taking steps to ensure that the sector remains both transparent and accountable.