Daijiworld Media Network - Muscat
Muscat, May 19: In a significant development reflecting Oman’s evolving citizenship policies, Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik has issued Royal Decree No. 17/2025, conferring Omani nationality on 156 expatriates. This marks one of the first large-scale grants of citizenship under the newly implemented Omani Nationality Law, which came into force on February 2, 2025.
The updated legal framework, replacing the previous law enacted in 2014, outlines stricter and more comprehensive eligibility criteria for acquiring and retaining Omani citizenship. The revised legislation offers pathways to citizenship through birth, descent, marriage, and naturalisation, but includes tight restrictions, especially on dual nationality.
Key features of the new law
• Dual Citizenship Restrictions: Oman continues to prohibit dual citizenship, unless explicitly permitted by Royal Decree.
• Marriage Provisions: Foreign spouses of Omani women can acquire citizenship, but may lose it if the marriage ends within five years due to divorce or desertion. Importantly, this does not impact the nationality of their children.
• Revocation Conditions: The law introduces detailed grounds for revoking citizenship, including:
o Insulting the Sultan or state
o Affiliation with entities deemed harmful to national interests
o Serving foreign governments in opposition to Oman’s policies
o Convictions involving state security or multiple felonies
o Continuous absence from Oman for over 24 months without valid justification
However, the law also permits reinstatement of citizenship if the conditions leading to revocation no longer exist.
The decree granting citizenship to over 150 individuals is seen as a milestone in the country’s efforts to recognize and integrate long-term expatriates who contribute meaningfully to Omani society. It also reflects the state’s intent to maintain national security, loyalty, and integrity, while opening selective pathways for foreign residents to become full citizens under clear and strict guidelines.
This move comes amid broader reforms in Oman’s legal and social landscape, aimed at balancing openness with sovereignty.