Omanis can now marry foreigners without permit after Sultan Haitham changes law

Sultan also amends legislation regulating Omani nationality

Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tarik has issued a new decree on Oman's marriage laws. Reuters

Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tarik on Sunday announced a decree that changes the legislation regarding Omanis marrying foreigners.

Omanis can now marry non-Omanis without approval or a permit from the government.

The royal decree included seven articles with the first stipulating the cancellation of the previous law authorising the issuing of provisions regulating the marriage of Omanis to foreigners and making amendments to the legislation regulating Omani nationality.

What is Oman's new marriage law for foreigners?

Below is the detailed decree with the announcement amendment:

Article (1) cancels Royal Decree No. 58/93 and annuls all decisions issued in implementation of its provisions.

Article (2) states that the provisions of this decree shall not prejudice the provisions of the Islamic Sharia or public order or any provision cited in the laws, Royal decrees or applicable systems stipulating non-marriage to a foreigner as a condition for occupying or continuing to occupy certain public jobs of significance or special nature.

Article (3) stipulates that documents proving the cases of marriage of Omanis to foreigners within the Sultanate of Oman shall be documented in accordance with the provisions of the relevant laws and Royal decrees. Foreign documents proving these cases of marriage are treated as official Omani documents after being authenticated by the competent authorities in the respective foreign country/countries, as well as the Omani Foreign Ministry.

The pack of riders in action during the 5th and final stage of the Tour of Oman cycling race over 152. 2 km from Samail to Jabal Al Akhdhar, Oman. EPA

Spanish rider Cristian Rodriguez Martin of Team Arkea Samsic rests after crossing the finish line of the 5th and final stage of the Tour of Oman cycling race over 152. 2 km from Samail to Jabal Al Akhdhar, Oman. EPA

Belgian Mauri Vansevenant (C) of Soudal-Quick Step is pictured after winning the fifth stage of the 2023 Tour of Oman, from Samail Al Fayhaa Resthouse to Jabal Al Akhdhar (Green Mountain). AFP

US rider Matteo Jorgenson of Movistar Team celebrates winning the Tour of Oman cycling race with team member following the 5th and final stage over 152. 2 km from Samail to Jabal Al Akhdhar, Oman. EPA

US Matteo Jorgenson of Movistar Team (C), poses on the podium with Belgian Mauri Vansevenant of Soudal Quick-Step (L) and French Geoffrey Bouchard of Ag2R Citroen Team (R), after winning the 2023 Oman Tour during its fifth stage, from Samail Al Fayhaa Resthouse to Jabal Al Akhdhar (Green Mountain). AFP

The pack rides during the fifth stage of the 2023 Tour of Oman, from Samail Al Fayhaa Resthouse to Jabal Al Akhdhar (Green Mountain). AFP

The pack rides during the fifth stage of the 2023 Tour of Oman, from Samail Al Fayhaa Resthouse to Jabal Al Akhdhar (Green Mountain). AFP

The pack of riders in action during the 4th stage of the Tour of Oman cycling race over 204. 9 km from Izki to Yitti Hills, Oman. EPA

Spectators watch riders during the 4th stage of the Tour of Oman cycling race over 204. 9 km from Izki to Yitti Hills, Oman. EPA

Terengganu Polygon Cycling Team riders warm prior to the start of the 4th stage of the Tour of Oman cycling race over 204. 9 km from Izki to Yitti Hills, Oman. EPA

The pack of riders in action during the 4th stage of the Tour of Oman cycling race over 204. 9 km from Izki to Yitti Hills, Oman. EPA

Omani musicians plays on the start line prior to the 3rd stage of the Tour of Oman cycling race over 151. 8 km from Al Khobar to Jabal Haat, in Oman. EPA

A breakaway group in action during the 2nd stage of the Tour of Oman cycling race over 174 km from Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex to Qurayyat, Oman. EPA

Cyclists take part in the second stage of the 174km Tour of Oman competition. EPA

The race is taking place over 147.5 km, from Al Rustaq Fort to the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre in Muscat. EPA

A spectator takes pictures of a breakaway group during the race. EPA

Cyclists in action during the second stage of the competition. EPA

A child waves the Omani flag as he watches the second stage of race. AFP

The 12th Tour of Oman has 18 teams participating. EPA

Spectators sit next to Soudal Quick-Step Team bicycles in Muscat. EPA

Riders in action. EPA

British rider Mark Cavendish of the Astana Qazaqstan Team. EPA

Riders in action. EPA

The riders in Muscat. EPA

Belgian rider Greg Van Avermaet, centre, of the Ag2R Citroen Team. EPA

Spectators watch the race. EPA

Argentinian rider Eduardo Sepulveda of Lotto Dstny team on his way to the start line. EPA

The pack on the first stage of the 2023 Tour of Oman, from Al-Rustaq Fort to Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre. AFP

Article (4) validates the documents evidencing the marriage of Omanis to foreigners that are issued by foreign official authorities before the date of entry into force of this decree — even though they might be in violation of the provisions regulating the marriage of Omanis to foreigners in force at that time — on condition that those documents be authenticated by the Omani Foreign Ministry, and in a manner that does not contradict the provision of Article (2) of this decree.

Article (5) states that Units of the State's Administrative Apparatus and other public legal persons shall implement the provisions of this decree, each in their own areas of jurisdiction.

Article (6) repeals all that contravenes this decree or contradicts its provisions.

Article (7) says that this decree shall be published in the Official Gazette and enforced from the day following its date of publishing.