Oman: Shura Council Approves Draft Telecommunications and IT Regulatory Law

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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Oman: Tightens Citizenship Rules

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Oman Sultani Decree No. 17/2025, which specifies the conditions under which Omani citizenship can be lost, revoked, or withdrawn.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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Oman: Approves Draft Personal Income Tax Law

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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Oman: Revamps Real Estate Fees to Boost Investment

Arabian Business, 27 January 2025: In a significant move to encourage the investment landscape, the Housing and Urban Planning Ministry has revised real estate service fees, aiming to enhance service efficiency and provide greater value to beneficiaries.

These changes, affecting 85 government services, include the streamlining and merging of 47 service fees, the cancellation of 11, reductions in 8, and the introduction of 14 new services.

This initiative highlights a commitment to transparency in service pricing and application.

Among the notable amendments, the registration fees for real estate sales contracts have been halved from 2% to 1% for Omani individuals and companies, significantly reducing ownership costs.

Additionally, fees for real estate transactions through Islamic banks have been set at 0.5%, facilitating tailored financing solutions.

Mortgage registration fees are now capped at 0.5%, offering more flexible financing opportunities for investors.

The revised fee structure is part of a broader government strategy to attract investment and support the real estate sector.

It includes provisions for reimbursing amounts paid for changes in business activity type, providing financial relief to existing investors.

Adjustments have also been made to land use permit fees, with exemptions for agricultural lands converted for non-investment purposes within government planning zones.

Furthermore, certain e-government service fees have been eliminated, promoting digital transformation and reducing financial burdens on citizens.

To make property ownership more accessible, the decision exempts several groups from real estate ownership fees, including low-income earners, persons with disabilities, beneficiaries of the Family Income Scheme, and retirees with a monthly income below RO 300.

Enhanced regulation and transparency are also key aspects of the amendments, which cover fees for real estate brokerage licences, development services, valuation professionals, and services for real estate owners’ associations.

The ministry anticipates that these changes will increase beneficiary satisfaction to 90%, with clearer fee structures and simplified processes enhancing the user experience.

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Oman: Eases Restrictions on Part-Time Employment

The Arabian Stories, 19 January 2025: The Ministry of Labour has issued Oman Ministerial Decision No. 13/2025 regarding the governance of part-time work.

The decision outlines new regulations for the employment of minors, including students.

It applies to various categories of workers, including job seekers, students, retirees, and employees

The decision aims to provide greater flexibility for students seeking part-time work while ensuring their well-being and academic performance.

Article 2 of Ministerial Decision No. 13/2025 refers part-time work to employment with fewer working hours than those set for full-time employees in the same establishment or as defined by law.

The decision permits employers to hire workers for short periods, with conditions such as limiting employment to Omani nationals, and ensuring that working hours do not exceed 25 hours per week, with a minimum of four hours per day.

Part-time workers must be paid a minimum hourly wage of RO 3, although agreements for lower wages are permissible.

Employers are also required to offer occupational health and safety measures, provide training, and ensure payment of wages in accordance with the provisions of the Labour Law.

Part-time workers are also required to be registered in the Social Security Fund, with the required contributions made.

For students specifically, the decision establishes that they must be enrolled in a public or private school, be at least 15 years old, and obtain parental approval for part-time work.

The work must not interfere with their academic responsibilities or affect financial allocations from the educational institution.

Importantly, students are not required to seek approval from their school or higher education institution to take up part-time employment.

Furthermore, they will be provided with an experience certificate for the duration of their work.

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Oman: Early Pension Disbursement Announced Following Directives

The Arabian Stories, 14 January 2025: The Social Protection Fund has announced that an additional pension will be distributed ahead of the usual disbursement date, following the directives of the royal leadership.

This gesture reflects the ongoing commitment to the welfare of the Omani people.

The beneficiaries of this initiative include individuals receiving death pensions, retirement pensions, non-occupational disability pensions, and total occupational disability pensions.

The Social Protection Fund expressed its gratitude for the generosity and dedication to enhancing the quality of life for citizens across the nation.

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Oman: Issues Royal Decrees to Reform Penal Code and Tenant Laws

The Arabian Stories, 7 January 2025: Oman has issued two Royal Decrees yesterday, introducing significant amendments to key legal frameworks.

Oman Sultani Decree No. 11/2025 amending some provisions of the Penal Code.

Oman Sultani Decree No. 12/2025 amending some provisions of Oman Sultani Decree No. 6/1989 regulating the relationship between owners and tenants of residential, commercial and industrial premises and registering their lease contracts.

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Oman: New Penal Code Amendments Bring Flexibility to Court Sentencing

The Arabian Stories, 7 January 2025: In a significant move towards judicial reform, a new Royal Decree in Oman has granted courts the power to suspend certain sentences, offering a more nuanced approach to justice.

Under Oman Sultani Decree No. 11/2025, courts can now stop the execution of fines or imprisonment sentences of less than three years, provided the convict’s character, history, age, or the crime’s context suggest a low risk of reoffending.

This progressive measure, however, excludes crimes related to state security, the state’s prestige, or terrorism and its financing.

The decree also permits the suspension of penal effects and additional penalties, except for confiscation, contingent upon the convict having a known place of residence.

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