Oman Announces New Marriage Laws for Foreigners

Oman has announced new laws for citizens marrying foreigners in the country. The new Royal Decree was issued by Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tarik on Monday.

Under the new Royal Decree, Omani citizens can marry foreigners, without the approval from the Ministry of Interior.

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

In addition, under Article (2) the marriage should not violate the provisions of the Sharia law or the public order in Oman, which are the two basic conditions for marriage with foreigners.

The marriage shall be documented "in accordance with the provisions of the relevant laws and Royal decrees," the article (3) of the Royal Decree said. In addition, foreign documents proving these cases of marriage will be treated as "official Omani documents" once they have been authenticated by authorities in the foreign country as well as the Oman Foreign Ministry.

Under Article (4) of the Royal Decree states that a marriage document issued by foreign authorities prior to the effect of the Royal Decree, must be "authenticated by the Omani Foreign Ministry," and must not violate Article (2) of the Royal Decree.

Article (5) of the Royal Decree stated that all public legal persons and Units of the State’s Administrative Apparatus must implement the provisions of the decree, in their own areas of jurisdiction.

Article (6) "repeals all that contravenes this decree or contradicts its provisions," whereas Article (7) says that this decree shall be published in the Official Gazette and enforced from the day following its date of publishing.

Additionally, a report by the Times of Oman said many Omanis have "welcomed" the easing of curbs on marriage, especially as this would primarily "facilitate the marriage process for many who are currently stuck."

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