Islamabad, 21 May, 2025: Omani Citizenship has been officially granted to 156 foreign residents through a royal decree issued by Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik, as Oman implements its recently updated nationality law.
The decree follows the introduction of the 2024 legislation, which replaced the previous 2014 law and was designed to align with the Sultanate’s revised constitutional values under the Basic Law of the State.
The new legal structure introduces detailed procedures for granting, revoking, and restoring citizenship, reflecting Oman’s commitment to safeguarding its national identity while acknowledging the role of expatriates in national progress.
Updated Eligibility Guidelines for Omani Citizenship
As defined under the revised law, individuals born to Omani fathers automatically qualify for Omani Citizenship, whether born inside the Sultanate or abroad.
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Certain grandchildren of Omani citizens if the original citizenship was granted rather than by birth can also be considered, provided the applicant is over the age of 50.
Children born to Omani fathers and foreign mothers, even if stateless, are now recognized as citizens by origin under the new statute.
Citizenship via Marriage and Family
Foreign spouses are also eligible under strict conditions:
- A foreign man married to an Omani woman can apply after 10 years of marriage, continuous residency, and with at least one child.
- A foreign woman married to an Omani man qualifies after eight years under similar conditions.
- Widows and divorcees are eligible, subject to continued residence and good conduct.
- Children of Omani mothers and non Omani fathers can apply under specific cases such as paternal absence or divorce.
Rules for Foreign Applicants
Foreign nationals must meet strict requirements to apply for Omani Citizenship, including:
- A minimum of 15 years of lawful residence (or 10 years through marriage).
- Fluency in Arabic reading and writing.
- A clean criminal record, medical clearance, and stable income.
- A formal declaration to renounce any other citizenship.
Penalties and Revocation Provisions
The law also outlines grounds for losing citizenship. Acts such as providing false information, associating with hostile entities, or acquiring another nationality without approval may lead to revocation.
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Offenders face penalties including up to three years’ imprisonment or fines up to 10,000 Omani rials.
The recent naturalization of 156 individuals is being seen as the first significant step in implementing Oman’s structured and transparent citizenship reforms, reaffirming the nation’s intent to balance openness with national integrity.
