Oman: IBAN required for Domestic Bank Transfers

Khaleej Times, 2 July 2025: With effect from 1 July 2025, Oman will require the use of the International Bank Account Number (IBAN) for all domestic financial transactions.

Financial institutions have notified their users of the change and advised them to update their beneficiary details by including the IBAN to prevent payment failures. Beneficiaries in Oman will have to be re-registered using the IBAN to align with the new banking regulations.

The IBAN system is essential for seamless cross-border payment transactions, functions as an international standard for identifying bank accounts worldwide, helping mitigate delays and errors in monetary transfers. The implementation of IBAN for domestic use in Oman aligns with practices in other jurisdictions in Europe, the Middle East, and parts of the Caribbean.

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Oman: Ministry of Transport Enforces Compliance Under New Maritime Law

The Arabian Stories, 16 June 2025: Oman’s Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology mandated compliance with Oman Sultani Decree No. 19/2023 for maritime shipping companies.

This law relates to companies involved in cargo agency, maritime shipping, and unloading brokerage, covering all facets of maritime transport services. This decision requires maritime shipping companies to adhere strictly to the provisions of this law, promoting transparency and maintaining service quality. The Ministry’s directive also emphasises that individuals seeking maritime shipping services should engage only with licensed companies, as detailed in an official directory available through the Ministry.

The directive prescribes obligations for the companies to ensure licensing and operational compliance.

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Oman: New Regulations For Elderly Care in Social Welfare Institutions

The Arabian Stories, 26 May 2025: The Ministry of Social Development in Oman has issued Oman Ministerial Decision No. 169/2025, to implement new governance regulations aimed at enhancing the quality of care and support in government-run homes for the elderly.

This decision marks a significant shift in the management of institutional care for the aging population in Oman, impacting government-run homes for the elderly, mandating them to provide comprehensive social, health, psychological, cultural, and recreational care services. The regulations require these institutions to create a suitable environment for the elderly and coordinate with relevant authorities to manage their financial affairs.

Key obligations under the new regulations include the requirement for residents to confirm their registry information annually through an electronic verification process, replacing the traditional renewal requirement. The regulations also grant residents the right to receive visitors and leave the home under specific guidelines. The decision encourages volunteer participation in organising activities for residents, with strict conditions on health and conduct, including a prohibition on photographing or sharing images of residents.

Article 7 of Oman Ministerial Decision No. 169/2025 mandates that the home must inform a family member of the elderly person if there is a critical health condition or accident. If contacting a family member is not possible, the home is authorised to approve necessary surgical interventions in the resident’s best interest.

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Oman: Shura Council Approves Real Estate Registry Law

Al Roya, 20 May 2025: The Oman Shura Council has approved the Real Estate Registry Law and amendments to the Arbitration Law in civil and commercial disputes (Oman Sultani Decree No. 47/1997).

The Real Estate Registry Law, has 40 articles across five chapters, and aims to streamline property registration processes, while the Arbitration Law amendments seek to enhance the efficiency and fairness of arbitration procedures, and align with international best practices.

he Real Estate Registry Law is expected to improve transparency and legal certainty in property transactions, while the Oman Sultani Decree No. 47/1997 amendments aim to expedite dispute resolution.

The legislative session also addressed urgent matters, including a statement on the Ministry of Labour’s decision requiring commercial establishments over a year old to employ at least one Omani citizen within 30 days of notification. A Shura Council member called for exemptions for small enterprises and financial support for medium-sized businesses to facilitate the integration of national workforce gradually.

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Oman: VAT Regulations Amended to Include Armed Forces Refunds

Gulf News, 5 May 2025: Oman’s Tax Authority has announced an amendment to VAT regulations Oman Decision No. 53/2021, allowing the country’s armed and security forces to claim VAT refunds on specific purchases under Oman Decision No. 81/2025.

This amendment allows the armed forces to claim VAT refunds on purchases related to military operations, including equipment, weapons, ammunition, transport vehicles, spare parts, and accessories.

The decision broadens the scope of VAT refund eligibility, initially established in 2020, to now encompass six categories of entities, including all sectors of the armed and security forces. Under the new rules, these entities are entitled to submit VAT refund applications every three months, provided the claim amount is at least OR15.

Each application must be accompanied by the relevant tax invoice or simplified tax invoice and proof of payment from the applicant’s bank account. The Tax Authority must respond to each request within 30 days of receiving the complete documentation. If no response is given, the request is automatically considered rejected. Approved refunds must be processed and returned to the applicant within 15 days.

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Oman: New Regulations for Independent Water and Sanitation Tanker Operations

The Arabian Stories, 27 April 2025: The Authority for Public Services Regulation (APSR) in Oman issued APSR Decision No. 31/2025, establishing new regulations for independent tanker operations in the water and wastewater sectors.

The new regulations specifically targeted independent tanker operators involved in water transport, wastewater collection, and treated water transport. Under these regulations, operators must obtain permits and adhere to a Unified Service Level Agreement approved by the APSR. The responsibilities of both operators and licensees, are outlined including quality standards, complaint mechanisms, and testing protocols.

The regulations set specific requirements for the operation, maintenance, and branding of independent carriers, including designated colours for different types of tankers to ensure compliance with safety and operational standards. According to Article 6 of APSR Decision No 31/2025, potable water tankers will be painted blue with “potable water” written on them, non-potable water tankers green with “non-potable water,” and sewage tankers yellow with “sewage.”

Independent tanker operator must regularise their status within one year from the enactment of the regulations. They were also required to meet documentation and operational requirements, including installing tracking devices on tankers and undergoing regular inspections to ensure compliance with technical standards.

The regulations stipulated penalties for violations, with fines ranging from RO 50 to RO 50,000 depending on the severity of the violation. Repeat violations could lead to additional fines, with continuing offenses attracting daily penalties.

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