Latest news with #CouncilofOman


Times of Oman
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Times of Oman
State and Shura Councils discuss five draft laws in joint session
Muscat: The State Council and the Shura Council held their second joint session on Sunday during the second convening of the 8th term of the Council of Oman. The session was chaired by Sheikh Abdulmalik Abdullah Al Khalili, Chairman of the State Council, in the presence of Khalid Hilal Al Maawali, Chairman of the Shura Council. In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the State Council stated holding the joint session reflects the ongoing cooperation and coordination between the two councils to reach unified positions on disputed articles in draft laws referred by the government, in accordance with Article 49 of the Council of Oman Law. He noted that both councils had previously discussed five draft laws referred by the government: the draft laws are on combating human trafficking, regulating communications and information technology, real estate regulation, collecting state revenues, and the rights of persons with disabilities. For his part, Mohammed Said Al Hajri, Chairman of the Social and Cultural Committee of the State Council, stated that the draft law on the rights of persons with disabilities aims to provide enhanced protection, guarantees, rights and opportunities for this segment of society. In a statement, he noted that joint committees had reviewed points of disagreement between the two councils and proposed compromise solutions, adding that during their review process, the main and sub-committees had consulted all relevant stakeholders, including civil society organizations representing persons with disabilities. The proposed compromises seek to strengthen empowerment, protection and opportunities for persons with disabilities. Furthermore, Salim Sultan Al Ruzaiqi, Deputy Chairman of the Technology and Innovation Committee of the State Council, confirmed that the two councils had agreed on 46 articles of the draft communications and information technology law, with nine disputed articles to be resolved during the joint session. In a statement, he added that this draft law establishes a framework for two vital sectors and unifies regulations covering modern technologies, artificial intelligence and cloud computing, creating integrated oversight of both sectors. Meanwhile, Dr. Ahmed Ali Al Saadi, Chairman of the Shura Council's Legislative and Legal Committee, stated that the draft anti-human trafficking law updates and develops existing legislation, clearly defining the crime of human trafficking and specifying methods to combat it. He noted that the draft law under discussion keeps pace with regional and international developments, comprising six chapters with 30 articles – including definitions and provisions (Chapter 1), mandates of the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking (Chapter 2), and international cooperation between Oman and relevant organizations (Chapter 3). Dr. Hamoud Ahmed Al Yahyai, Chairman of the Shura Council's Services and Public Utilities Committee, pointed out that the draft real estate regulation law comes amid Oman's strong momentum in real estate development, requiring such legislation to attract investors. It will replace current ministerial decisions and regulations implemented by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning in this field.


Observer
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Observer
Council of Oman at OIC Parliamentary Union session
JAKARTA: The Council of Oman participated in the 19th session of the Conference of the Parliamentary Union of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), held in the Indonesian capital, Jakarta, on Wednesday. The Council of Oman's delegation was headed by Khalid bin Hilal al Maawali, Chairman of Majlis Ash'shura. He delivered at the opening session in which he emphasised that the Sultanate of Oman's experience in promoting good governance has always been a focus of attention in shaping the future and planning the country's national visions. He added: 'Through Oman Vision 2040, the government has attached great attention to the principle of governance due to its importance in promoting comprehensive national development. Governance has been adopted as one of the fundamental principles for achieving efficiency in institutional performance and ensuring transparency and integrity. Oman Vision 2040 seeks to establish an integrated system of good governance based on the foundations of accountability, justice and the rule of law while adopting the best administrative and technical practices to ensure the quality and sustainability of government services. The vision also emphasises the importance of involving the community in decision-making and achieving a balance between economic growth and social development within an effective and transparent regulatory environment.' 'In our discussion of good governance and strong institutions, we have to point to the alarming international failure to address the humanitarian tragedies, flagrant violations of international law, the absence of justice and the violation of human rights inflicted on the Palestinian people particularly in Gaza. The horrific events in Gaza have exposed the absence of fair global governance and the weakness of the international accountability system which led to the continuation of the occupation, the exacerbation of suffering and the loss of hope,' Al Maawali said. The Council of Oman's delegation participating in the 19th session of the Conference of the Parliamentary Union of the OIC comprises SShaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed al Nadabi, Secretary-General of Majlis Ash'shura; Mohammed bin Salem al Harthy, Member of the State Council; Khalil bin Khalfan al Wahaibi, Said bin Mohammed al Saadi and Younis bin Mohammed al Siyabi, members of the Majlis Ash'shura. — ONA


Observer
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Observer
Council of Oman participates in OIC Parliamentary Union session
JAKARTA: The Council of Oman participated in the 19th session of the Conference of the Parliamentary Union of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), held in the Indonesian capital, Jakarta, on Wednesday. The Council of Oman's delegation was headed by Khalid bin Hilal al Maawali, Chairman of Majlis Ash'shura. He delivered at the opening session in which he emphasized that the Sultanate of Oman's experience in promoting good governance has always been a focus of attention in shaping the future and planning the country's national visions. He added: 'Through Oman Vision 2040, the government has attached great attention to the principle of governance due to its importance in promoting comprehensive national development. Governance has been adopted as one of the fundamental principles for achieving efficiency in institutional performance and ensuring transparency and integrity. Oman Vision 2040 seeks to establish an integrated system of good governance based on the foundations of accountability, justice, and the rule of law while adopting the best administrative and technical practices to ensure the quality and sustainability of government services. The vision also emphasizes the importance of involving the community in decision-making and achieving a balance between economic growth and social development within an effective and transparent regulatory environment.' Al Maawali went on to say: 'In our discussion of good governance and strong institutions, we have to point to the alarming international failure to address the humanitarian tragedies, flagrant violations of international law, the absence of justice and the violation of human rights inflicted on the Palestinian people particularly in Gaza. The horrific events in Gaza have exposed the absence of fair global governance and the weakness of the international accountability system which led to the continuation of the occupation, the exacerbation of suffering and the loss of hope.' The Council of Oman's delegation participating in the 19th session of the Conference of the Parliamentary Union of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), comprises Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed al Nadabi, Secretary-General of Majlis Ash'shura; Mohammed bin Salem al Harthy, Member of the State Council; Khalil bin Khalfan al Wahaibi, Said bin Mohammed al Saadi and Younis bin Mohammed al Siyabi, members of the Majlis Ash'shura.


Observer
27-04-2025
- Health
- Observer
Royal Decree issued to regulate human organ and tissue transplantation in Oman
Muscat: His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik has issued Royal Decree No. 44/2025 promulgating the Law on the Regulation of Human Organ and Tissue Transfer and Transplantation in the Sultanate of Oman. The Decree was issued following consultation with the Council of Oman and in response to public interest. The provisions prohibit the sale or purchase of human organs, parts, or tissues through any means, and the acceptance of financial compensation in exchange for donations. It also bans all forms of advertising, promotion, mediation, or financing related to such practices without a license from the Ministry of Health. The transfer and transplantation of human organs and tissues must comply strictly with the law. Any procedure carried out in violation of its provisions is prohibited. Furthermore, financing the transplantation costs is forbidden if it is established that the donation was made for financial gain. The law also bans any transfer that could lead to the mixing of lineages. To honour organ donors, they will be awarded a special medal, which its designation, rules, and benefits will be established by Royal Decree. In the case of deceased donors, the medal will be awarded in their name to their next of kin or spouse. The law also sets out conditions for organ and tissue transfers between living persons. Donations must be voluntary, with donors possessing full legal capacity and providing written consent free from any defects of will. A kinship or marital relationship up to the fourth degree must exist between the donor and recipient, with additional conditions for cross-national marriages. Donations to non-relatives are permissible only in cases of urgent medical necessity and in accordance with regulatory controls. All transplantation procedures must receive prior approval from both the Organ Transplantation Ethics Committee and the Medical Committee. The Minister of Health will issue the executive regulations and the necessary decisions for the implementation of the new law within one year from the date it comes into force. Until then, existing regulations and decisions shall remain applicable, provided they do not contradict the new provisions.


Muscat Daily
26-04-2025
- Health
- Muscat Daily
Laws issued to boost Oman's health sector
Muscat – His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik has issued two Royal Decrees, one promulgating the Public Health Law and the other regulating transplantation of human organs and tissues. Royal Decree No 43/2025 promulgates the Public Health Law following presentation to the Council of Oman, while Royal Decree No 44/2025 promulgates the Law Regulating Transfer and Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues, also presented before the Council of Oman. Article 2 of the latter authorises the Minister of Health to issue the executive regulation and any other necessary regulations within one year of enforcement of the organ transplant law. Existing regulations will continue to apply until then, as long as these do not conflict with the new provisions. Dr Hilal al Sabti, Minister of Health Ministry of Health described the new organ transplant law as a key addition to the legislative framework supporting the sultanate's health system. It aims to address the rising demand for organ transplants as a treatment method for patients suffering from terminal organ failure. Dr Hilal al Sabti, Minister of Health, said, 'The law supports the work of the National Organ Transplant Programme, guarantees the rights and safety of organ donors and transplant patients, precisely regulates the conditions and procedures for organ donation during life or after death, and defines the legal responsibilities and duties of medical institutions.' On the Public Health Law, he said it was essential to regulate all aspects related to public health and provide a comprehensive framework of scientific and practical rules. The law would serve as a reference for the health system's interaction with various sectors in alignment with the goals of Oman Vision 2040 to deliver more inclusive health services. Dr Sabti appreciated His Majesty the Sultan's continued support for the health sector, describing it as a major factor in driving efforts to achieve comprehensive and integrated healthcare in Oman.