Oman Abolishes Requirement for State Permission to Marry Foreign Nationals Oman

Oman has taken a significant step forward in its modernization efforts by abolishing the need for Omanis to obtain state permission to marry foreign nationals. This reform was enacted through a royal decree issued by Sultan Haitham bin Tariq al-Said earlier this week.

Since ascending to power in 2020, following the 50-year reign of Sultan Qaboos, Sultan Haitham has introduced a range of long-overdue reforms aimed at enhancing fiscal stability and attracting foreign investment. The decision to remove marriage restrictions is a part of this broader initiative.

Previously, Omanis seeking to marry foreign nationals were required to meet specific conditions, such as being over a certain age, and gaining approval from the Ministry of Interior. Unauthorized marriages were subject to fines. This law, which had been in place since 1993, has now been repealed.

According to Omani state media, the new decree (23/2023) eliminates the need for government approval for marriages between Omani citizens and foreigners. However, certain stipulations remain in place: the marriage must not violate sharia (Islamic law), public order, or other legal provisions, particularly regarding certain government employees who are still prohibited from marrying foreigners.

Omani lawyer Salah al-Maqbali explained, "The facts and circumstances of life have changed, and the economic situation has changed since the 1993 law." The new decree reflects the country's evolving social and economic landscape, allowing previously deemed illegal marriages to now be legalized.

Although the full details of the decree have yet to be published, this move marks another step in Oman’s gradual reform process. With a population of approximately 3.8 million people, where Omanis make up just over half, the country continues to balance modernization with tradition.

Oman, though a smaller oil producer compared to its wealthier Gulf neighbors, has faced economic challenges in recent years, particularly after the 2014 oil price crash and the pandemic-driven economic downturn. However, with higher oil prices and fiscal reforms, the country's economy has shown signs of recovery. Credit rating agency S&P recently revised Oman’s economic outlook to positive from stable, citing improvements in reducing the national debt from 60% of GDP in 2021 to 40% in 2022.

This latest marriage law reform aligns with Sultan Haitham's broader vision to modernize Oman while maintaining its cultural and religious values.