Oman Archives - Page 5 of 32 - LexisNexis Middle East

Oman: First Dual Citizenship Granted Under New Law

13/03/202513/03/2025
by Hannah Gutang

The Arabian Stories, 9 March 2025: Oman has issued a Royal Decree granting Omani citizenship to an individual, allowing them to hold both Omani and Russian nationalities.

This is the first instance of dual nationality being permitted under Oman’s new citizenship law.

The Royal Decree follows the recent implementation of Oman Sultani Decree No. 17/2025, which came into effect on 2 February 2025.

The new law generally prohibits dual nationality unless explicitly granted by a Royal Decree, based on the recommendation of the Interior Ministry.

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News developments

Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax – Spring 2025 Edition

07/03/202507/03/2025
by Hannah Gutang

The Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax Spring Edition offers an in-depth analysis of the swiftly evolving tax landscape within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. This edition underscores the trend where the introduction of new tax laws is often rapidly succeeded by a cascade of related legislative changes. Among the key topics discussed is the Real Estate Transaction Tax (RETT) in Saudi Arabia, which was initially introduced in 2020 and has undergone several amendments. The magazine delves into the recent formalisation of law on this subject and the ensuing consultation on new Implementing Regulations, with insights from experts at Riad & Riad.

The edition concludes with an examination of the increasing adoption of tax automation software in the UAE, driven by rising requirements and support. Overall, the magazine highlights the imperative for taxpayers in the GCC to remain vigilant and adaptable to the rapid and significant changes in tax laws.

FEATURE: YOUR RIGHTS ON RETT

Dr. Fatma Salah, together with Mohamed Riad and Amera Gamal from Riad & Riad, discusses the introduction of the Real Estate Transaction Tax (RETT) in Saudi Arabia in 2020. The upcoming legislation and its Executive Regulations are anticipated to provide more detailed guidance on the tax’s application.

FEATURE: DOWN TO BRASS TACKS ON DMTT

Asrujit Mandal from BDO explores the dynamic shifts in regional legislation and guidance surrounding the Domestic Minimum Top Up Tax. With Bahrain at the forefront, its pioneering approach could potentially shape and inspire strategies in other GCC countries, all in alignment with Pillar Two initiatives.

TAX NEWS ROUND-UP

This round-up outlines the most recent major changes in tax agreements and regulatory updates across the region, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of the current developments.

PRACTICAL FOCUS: VAT AND CRYPTO MINING

Shailesh Kumar (Associate Partner), Mradul Gupta (Associate Director), and Megha Lohia (Assistant Manager) from PKF UAE highlight the rising prominence and global acceptance of cryptocurrency and emphasise the increasing importance of understanding the tax implications associated with its use.

TAX PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

What’s Next with VAT? While Corporate Tax and Transfer Pricing modifications are making news, Harsh Bhatia, Director of VAT at Grant Thornton UAE, points out that there are also upcoming changes in the UAE’s VAT system.

ANY QUESTIONS?

Is tax automation required in the UAE? Dhana Pillai from DP Taxation Consultancy examines the requirements, assistance, and strategies that are boosting the adoption of tax automation software in the UAE.

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Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax_Spring 2025

Have you read the Lexis® Middle East Gulf Tax – Past editions? Click the links below to access them.

Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax | Winter 2024

Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax | Autumn 2024

Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax | Summer 2024

Lexis Middle East Gulf Tax | Winter 2023

News developments

Oman: New Postal Policy

06/03/202506/03/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Oman Observer, 2 March 2025: The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology has introduced a new policy and programme to regulate and modernise Oman’s growing postal sector.

Spanning from 2025 to 2029, the Postal Sector Policy and Executive Programme aims to enhance service quality and support related industries such as e-commerce, transport, and logistics.

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News developments

Oman: Expands Electronic Authentication Service to Saudi Arabia

27/02/202527/02/2025
by Hannah Gutang

The Arabian Stories, 20 February 2025: Oman has unveiled the third phase of its electronic authentication service, expanding its reach to Saudi Arabia and Qatar starting 23 February 2025.

This initiative aims to enhance digital consular services and simplify authentication procedures, eliminating the need for applicants to visit Omani missions in these countries.

Initially launched on 23 January 2025, the electronic certification service is already in operation in the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, India, and Sri Lanka.

The Ministry, in partnership with Oman Post, plans to gradually extend the service to more countries as part of its strategic work plan.

For individuals seeking authentication services, applications can be submitted online through the official platform: https://www.omanpost.om/ar/attestation-services

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News developments

Lexis Middle East HR Alert – January 2025 Edition

25/02/202524/03/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Welcome to the January 2025 edition of Lexis Middle East HR Alert, your essential resource for navigating the evolving legal and business landscape impacting HR in the Middle East. As the region progresses and aligns with global standards, HR professionals, legal experts, and business leaders must stay updated on the changes and trends affecting the workforce.

This issue highlights significant amendments to Saudi and UAE labour laws, emphasising enhanced worker protection and strict compliance measures. In Saudi Arabia, updates to Cabinet Decision No. 219/1426 clarify the roles of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development and the Ministry of Interior in enforcing labour law penalties, with increased fines for unauthorised employment ranging from 200,000 to 500,000 Riyals. The UAE’s Federal Decree-Law No. 9/2024 introduces amendments aimed at improving employer compliance, notably imposing fines of up to one million AED for employing workers fictitiously, with potential multiplication based on the number of workers involved.

Additionally, Oman has implemented a new scheme requiring monthly employer contributions to the Social Insurance Organisation, ensuring expatriate employees receive their end-of-service gratuity dues more efficiently.

Stay informed with our in-depth analysis of these changes and their implications for HR practices in the region.

Happy reading!

This edition features a diverse range of content, including:

Feature: New Rules and Bigger Penalties

The amendments to Articles 54 and 60 of the UAE Labour Law, introduced by Federal Decree-Law No. 9/2024, may appear minor but are expected to have a substantial impact, as explained by Sara Khoja, Ben Brown, and Sarit Thomas from Clyde & Co.

Trend Setter: Succession Planning

Ali Al Assaad from Dentons examines how the new Dubai Executive Council Decision No. 81/2024 is positioning the Dubai government as a leader in effective succession planning practices.

News Round-up: Covering Recent Key Developments – Region-Wide

Stay informed on the latest regional updates, including changes to residency visa laws announced by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security UAE, which now allow working mothers to sponsor their children’s residency if the family head violates residency laws.

Immigration Focus

Enhance your understanding of the evolving immigration and visa regulations across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, with a focus on the United Arab Emirates’ visa extensions for GCC residents and dependents of GCC nationals.

Immigration Focus: Nationalisation in Qatar

Antoine Salloum from Vialto Partners discusses the recent updates to Qatar’s nationalisation policies.

Law Changes: New and Proposed MENA Laws

Mohsin Khan and Hayat Rafique from Al Tamimi explore significant changes to the Saudi Labour Law and anticipate further details in upcoming Executive Regulations.

Case Focus: DIFC Case No. 044/2021 on 1 October 2024

Highlighted by Hamdan Al Shamsi Lawyers & Legal Consultants, this case addresses racial discrimination and is the first to consider victimisation since the DIFC employment law was strengthened in this area.

Enrich your understanding of the HR landscape and stay up-to-date with the latest trends, cases, and policies through the newest issue of Lexis Middle East – HR Alert.

For all the latest industry updates and developments, opt for a free HR Alert subscription!

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Lexis Middle East HR Alert_January 2025

Have you read the Lexis® Middle East HR Alert – previous 2024 editions? Click the links below to access and read these editions.

Lexis Middle East HR Alert_January 2024

Lexis Middle East HR Alert_May 2024

Lexis Middle East HR Alert_July 2024

Lexis Middle East HR Alert_October 2024

HR Profile: HR Leadership in Law

Vera Vadakkumpatt, HR Manager at Stephenson Harwood LLP, shares insights on promoting employee wellbeing, diversity, and organisational growth.

In-House Profile: Practitioner Perspective

Dhana Pillai from Cygal Attorneys discusses the UAE’s pioneering requirements for female representation on the boards of all public and private Joint Stock Companies.

Policy Pointers: Anti-discrimination

Rachel Mannam, Associate at Hamdan Al Shamsi Lawyers, provides expertise on the UAE’s Federal Decree-Law No. 34/2023, enacted in September 2023, which criminalises all forms of discrimination, hate speech, and blasphemy, although it does not specifically address workplace discrimination in the private sector.

Moves and Changes

Keep up with the latest business developments, major appointments, and promotions throughout the region to stay current with the influential figures in the market.

News developments

Oman: FSA Implements IFRS for Financial Reporting

21/02/202521/02/2025
by Tanya Jain

The Arabian Stories, 17 February 2025: The FSA has issued Oman Financial Services Authority Decision No. 2/2025, mandating the adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) for preparing and reviewing financial statements across the Sultanate.

The resolution, which is based on the law regulating the accounting and auditing profession and the establishment of the Financial Services Authority (Oman Sultani Decree No. 20/2024), states that all practitioners in the accounting and auditing field must comply to IFRS when preparing financial statements.

However, the decision allows SMEs to opt for the simplified IFRS for SMEs model, as long as it does not conflict with any regulatory requirements.

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Expired Legal Research Competition launched by Habib Al Mullah Academy and LexisNexis Middle East

19/02/202521/03/2025
by Tanya Jain

We're sorry, but all tickets sales have ended because the event is expired.

Legal Research Competition launched by Habib Al Mullah Academy and LexisNexis Middle East |
25/02/2025 - 25/03/2025
8:00 AM - 11:55 PM

REGISTER HERE We are excited to announce the launch of the UAE Legal Research Competition, focusing on UAE legal subject matter. This competition is proudly launched by Habib Al Mullah Academy and LexisNexis Middle East in collaboration with Université St Joseph Dubai. The legal research competition is open to law students (fourth year or (more…)

News developments

Oman: Shura Council Approves Draft Telecommunications and IT Regulatory Law

13/02/202513/02/2025
by Hannah Gutang

Oman Observer, 10 February 2025: The Majlis Ash’shura has given its approval to the draft telecommunications and information technology regulatory law, which was submitted by the government.

This draft law, comprising 10 chapters and 56 articles, is designed to regulate the telecommunications sector and its related services.

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News developments

Oman: Tightens Citizenship Rules

12/02/202512/02/2025
by Tanya Jain

Gulf News, 10 February 2025: Oman has enacted a more stringent Nationality Law, Oman Sultani Decree No. 17/2025, which specifies the conditions under which Omani citizenship can be lost, revoked, or withdrawn.

This law highlights the Sultanate’s emphasis on loyalty and national integrity, detailing scenarios where citizenship may be automatically forfeited or revoked by the government. According to Article 23 of Oman Sultani Decree No. 17/2025, Omani nationals who unlawfully acquire a foreign nationality will automatically lose their Omani citizenship.

The law also addresses marriage-related nationality issues. A foreigner who gains Omani citizenship through marriage to an Omani woman will lose it if the marriage ends in divorce or desertion within five years. However, the children of such a union will retain their Omani nationality, even if the father loses his.

Similarly, a foreign woman who becomes an Omani citizen through marriage to an Omani man will lose her citizenship if she divorces and remarries a non-Omani, effective from the date of the second marriage. The law also sets forth conditions for the revocation of citizenship.

Under Article 26 of Oman Sultani Decree No. 17/2025, individuals may be stripped of their nationality for insulting the Sultan or the Sultanate, either verbally or through actions.
Membership in organizations or parties that promote ideologies detrimental to Oman’s interests can also lead to revocation.

Furthermore, Omani nationals working for a foreign government in a capacity that conflicts with Oman’s interests, and who refuse to resign despite official requests, may lose their citizenship. This also applies to those working for hostile nations actively opposing Oman. However, the law allows for the reinstatement of citizenship if the circumstances leading to revocation are resolved.

Additionally, Oman has introduced provisions for withdrawing citizenship from individuals who obtained it through fraudulent or illegal means.

Article 27 of Oman Sultani Decree No. 17/2025 states that those convicted of crimes against state security or sentenced for multiple felonies within five years of acquiring nationality may have their citizenship revoked.

Long-term absence from Oman is also a factor; individuals who remain outside the country for more than 24 consecutive months without a valid reason risk losing their nationality.

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News developments

Oman: Approves Draft Personal Income Tax Law

06/02/202506/02/2025
by Hannah Gutang

The Arabian Stories, 28 January 2025: The State Council and Majlis Al Shura have approved the draft laws on personal income tax with recommendations on some articles.

On the Personal Income Tax Law, both State Council and Shura agreed to raise the tax exemption limit to RO 50,000 (annual income) for the benefit of the middle class and reduce the percentage to 5%.

Both the Councils have also agreed not to calculate the gratuity or other end-of-service benefits within the Personal Income Tax as they are not considered a sources of income.

As per the draft income law, individuals who are earning monthly salaries of above RO 2,500 (over RO 30,000 income annually) will be subjected to income tax once it is implemented. However, both

Members of the Council have agreed that the minimum income of RO 30,000, which covered around 32,000 people, was proposed by the government according to a study conducted in 2019/2020.

Some members also suggested to postpone the implementation of the law but if the law is implemented the minimum income has to be raised and other recommendations should be also included.

The Finance Minister had confirmed that Personal Income Tax Law will not be imposed unless conditions are suitable for it to be implemented.

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