Oman's State Audit Institution Recovers $1.9 Billion Through Anti-Corruption Efforts

Oman’s State Audit Institution (SAI) has played a critical role in recovering over RO 750 million (approximately $1.9 billion) for the government between 2016 and 2022, thanks to its rigorous audit practices and citizen involvement.

Said bin Salim al Hajri, Senior Specialist and Director of the Communication and Media Department at SAI, highlighted that the institution has processed 951 complaints during this period, with 87 percent of them successfully resolved. Citizens have been active participants in the process, utilizing various channels to report financial irregularities, including a Mobile App, the Complaints and Reports Window, landline calls, and visits to SAI's headquarters or branches.

SAI's mandate is to safeguard public funds, identify financial irregularities, highlight gaps in financial and administrative laws, and evaluate the performance of audited entities. These entities include government agencies, public authorities, pension and investment funds, state-owned enterprises where the government holds a 40 percent or greater stake, and companies granted concessions by the government—totaling more than 600 organizations.

"We don't wait for our official reports to be published before taking action. Our goal is to address and correct issues as soon as they are identified," said Al Hajri during an episode of the Observer’s Podcast, Mosaic.

The SAI addresses various forms of corruption, including bribery, embezzlement, and theft. When there is sufficient evidence, the institution collaborates with the Public Prosecution. If the Public Prosecution finds enough evidence, it escalates the matter to a court, transforming it into a legal case.

In recognition of its efforts, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) has included SAI’s Complaints and Reports Window among the best distinguished practices in the Arab world, as part of the ESCWA-launched ENACT project. This initiative aims to accelerate the adoption of technology and innovation to enhance the operations of Arab public institutions, showcasing successful case studies from across the region.

SAI's Complaints and Reports Window was selected from 60 initiatives across 12 Arab countries, earning a place in the ESCWA Arab Open and Innovation Government Portal.

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