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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Oman: Launches Dhamani Platform to Streamline Insurance Claims

Oman Observer, 21 April 2025: Oman has launched the Dhamani platform, a national digital information exchange which is designed to streamline insurance claims processing between healthcare providers and insurance payers.

The platform has been introduced by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) as part of a broader effort to digitise and enhance the efficiency of the healthcare and insurance sectors.

Dhamani is not merely a standalone system but a comprehensive infrastructure that significantly reduces the time and administrative burden associated with claims processing. Previously, claims could take up to two years to process, but with Dhamani, they can be submitted immediately after treatment, and insurers are required to respond within 45 days.

The platform integrates with healthcare providers’ Health Information Systems (HIS), allowing for instant claim submission by hospitals, clinics, and soon also, independent pharmacies. This digital workflow enables insurers to quickly approve, reject, or request additional information for claims, ensuring a structured timeline for claims handling.

Dhamani will play a crucial role in combating fraud, waste, and abuse (FWA) in the health insurance system. It standardises medical protocols, ensures all transactions are digital and transparent, and uses business intelligence and artificial intelligence tools to detect irregularities and manage risk.

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Oman: Amendments to Social Protection Fund Regulations

The Social Protection Fund Regulations (Oman Sultani Decree No. 50/2023) were amended on 10 April 2025 by Oman Sultani Decree No. 41/2025.

The amendment specifically altered Article 9 of Oman Sultani Decree No. 50/2023, which now states that the management of the Social Protection Fund will be overseen by a board of directors formed by a Cabinet Decision. This board will include the Chairman of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Chairman of the General Federation of Oman Workers, among others. The board will also be able to seek assistance from experts and advisors. The amendment came into force on the day following its publication in the Official Gazette.

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Oman: Civil Aviation Authority to Issue Temporary Permits

Oman Daily Observer, 29 March 2025: The Oman Civil Aviation Authority is to issue temporary permits on the Muscat to Salalah and Suhar to Salalah routes.

The permits will be issued in peak winter and summer tourist seasons in order to increase competition and reduce airfares. Proposals have been invited from eligible national and international carriers to provide temporary domestic services on these routes between 1 July and 1 August, and 1 December and 31 January.

In order to qualify, operators must have a valid Air Operators Certificate (Omani or International), proven operational experience, financial stability, and they must comply with Omani health and safety and environmental regulations. They must also have adequate passenger and third-party insurance coverage.

The aircrafts must have 100 to 200 seats and meet the Omani Civil Aviation Authority technical and safety standards. The last date for applications will be 17 April 2025.

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