The National ePayment Gateway (ePG) provides an operational component of the e-Governance infrastructure and full e-commerce facilities that allow secure online payments (e-payments). The e-Payment Gateway supports multiple acquiring banks and will operate as a critical shared service within the e-Governance architecture masterplan.

The state-of-the-art e-payment solution supports the delivery of e-services of the public sector and assists the private sector’s move into e-commerce. The e-Payment Gateway enables efficient electronic transactions in Oman and simplify the processing of payment transactions for electronic services within the country.

Enabling the gateway is expected to increase the adoption of e-Services along with electronic payments, particularly web-enabled payments which are easy and efficient. The presence of such a robust and secure e-Payment Gateway enables e-Government shared services to be paid for electronically using major local and international credit & debit cards, and in future, other electronic payment instruments. The gateway currently accepts all international credit cards, debit cards including Visa, MasterCard, Amex and Diner cards.

The ePG currently supports the web, while various other electronic channels including mobile payment, Interactive Voice Response (IVR), ePurse, Bill Presentment, etc. will be offered in the near future.
 

ePayment Gateway benefits

Benefits to buyer / individual

1. Online payment of services and/or products.
2. Use of electronic Payment Gateway is free for buyer.
3. All major credit/debit cards (Visa, Master, American Express and Diners Club) are accepted.
4. Secured real-time payment gateway.
5. 3D Secure authentication program (which includes issuer, acquirer Bank and Visa or Master card) to help mitigate e-commerce fraud.

Benefits to seller

1. Increased customer traffic due to easy payment option.
2. Complete support for retailers.
3. Complete audit trail and reconciliation report provided.
4. Free operational as well as technical support.
5. Secure payment processing to world-class standards.
6. Online real time view of transactions.
7. 3D Secure authentication program (which includes issuer, acquirer Bank and Visa or Master card) to help mitigate e-commerce fraud.
8. Promotes cross-border e-commerce.

Benefits to Government

1. Payment for Services will be settled online.
2. Organizations will save on Administrative cost.
3. Reduced queuing at physical counters.
4. Improved economy by direct transfer of funds.
5. Full audit trail and reconciliation for online transactions available.
6. Secure payment processing to world-class standards.
7. 3D Secure authentication program (which includes issuer, acquirer Bank and Visa or Master card) to help mitigate e-commerce fraud.
8. Free operational as well as technical support.

Current services

• Payment of traffic fines/offences.
• Payment of fixed, internet telephone bills.
• Payment of mobile payment bills and top ups.
• Payment of electricity bills.
• Payment for insurance premium.
• Donate online to local associations.
• Payment municipality offences/fines.
• Pay for Tenders .
• Pay to subscribe in conferences.

Source: Ministry of Technology and Communications

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