Latest news with #HaithamBinTarik
Gulf Insider
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Gulf Insider
How To Get Omani Citizenship: A Complete Guide
The Sultanate of Oman recently granted citizenship to 156 expats, following a decree by Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik. In February, the royal decree on the Omani nationality law was issued, and introduced a new set of conditions for foreign nationals seeking Omani citizenship. This law replaces the previous citizenship legislation of 2014 and aligns nationality regulations with the nation's current constitutional principles as outlined in the Basic Law of the State. The law establishes clear guidelines and procedures for acquiring, restoring, renouncing, and losing Omani citizenship, thereby ensuring national identity is preserved while accommodating deserving individuals who contribute to Oman's development. The Omani citizenship by origin applies to persons born to Omani fathers, whether within the sultanate or abroad, before the law's enactment. The law extends citizenship by origin to certain grandchildren of Omanis who acquired citizenship by grant, provided the grandchild is over 50 years old. Citizenship also applies to those born to Omani fathers who become stateless, regardless of the mother's nationality, reflecting a commitment to prevent statelessness within Oman's population. The law generally prohibits dual nationality to maintain exclusive allegiance to Oman. Exceptions require a royal decree based on a recommendation from the Minister of Interior. Renunciation of Omani citizenship is permitted only after the minister's approval and confirmation that the individual has met all obligations to the sultanate. Minor children linked to a renouncing father retain citizenship unless the father requests otherwise and foreign nationality laws allow it. All actions involving the granting, withdrawal, revocation, or restoration of citizenship are executed by royal decree, ensuring that such decisions receive the highest level of scrutiny. The law provides flexibility by permitting exceptional grants or restorations of citizenship through royal decrees that may waive usual legal requirements. Individuals who receive or regain citizenship enjoy full civil rights from the effective date of the relevant royal decree. The law lists circumstances leading to citizenship loss or revocation to uphold national interests: Automatic loss if an Omani acquires another nationality without state authorization. Revocation of citizenship granted through marriage if the marriage dissolves before five years or if a foreign spouse remarries outside Omani nationality. Citizenship loss or revocation for acts deemed injurious to the sultanate, including insults, association with hostile groups, working for adversarial foreign entities, or criminal offenses. Withdrawal of citizenship granted illegally or associated with criminal behavior or prolonged unjustified absence from Oman. Provision for restoration of citizenship if the grounds for revocation no longer exist. Omanis by origin who renounced citizenship and acquired foreign nationality may seek restoration if they meet certain conditions including: Residing normally in Oman or having returned with the intent to settle. Maintaining good moral character without recent criminal convictions. Declaring in writing their intention to renounce other nationalities. Minor children regain citizenship along with the father. Additionally, children who lost citizenship due to their father's renunciation can apply for reinstatement within five years of reaching adulthood. The law outlines stringent criteria for foreigners seeking Omani citizenship. A minimum of 15 years of continuous legal residence in Oman, allowing absences not exceeding 90 days per year. Proficiency in reading and writing Arabic to ensure cultural and linguistic integration. Demonstration of good conduct and a clean legal record. Good health and freedom from infectious diseases as determined by regulation. Possession of a legitimate, sufficient income source to support oneself and dependents. Written commitment to renounce previous nationality, ensuring single citizenship in Oman. Minor children acquire citizenship through their Omani father if born or residing in Oman. Family relationships provide additional paths to citizenship under detailed conditions: Foreign husbands of Omani women may apply after 10 years of marriage and residency, with a requirement to have a child from the marriage. Foreign wives of Omani men qualify after eight years of marriage and residency, provided they have a child from the marriage and meet language and conduct standards. Foreign widows and divorced spouses also have defined residency, family, and conduct prerequisites to qualify. Minor children born to Omani mothers and foreign fathers may acquire citizenship when custody and residency conditions are met, particularly in cases of widowhood, divorce, or absence of the father. To ensure the integrity of citizenship issuance, the law imposes strict penalties for fraudulent actions such as providing false documents or information. Convicted individuals face imprisonment for up to three years, fines ranging between 5,000 and 10,000 Omani rials, or both.
Gulf Insider
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Gulf Insider
Oman Grants Citizenship To 156 Expatriates
Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik has issued a royal decree granting Omani citizenship to more than 150 expatriates. Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik issued Royal Decree No. 17/2025 granting Omani citizenship to 156 people. (We have taken a look at how expats can become Omani citizens. Here's a detailed guide.) In February, the Royal Decree on the Omani Nationality Law was issued and introduced a new set of conditions for foreign nationals seeking Omani citizenship. The recent implementation of the Omani Nationality Law under Royal Decree No. 17/2025, replaces the previous nationality law enacted under Royal Decree No. 38/2014, and came into effect on February 2, 2025. The Nationality Law outlines the rules and regulations related to Omani citizenship and the eligibility criteria for individuals seeking to become citizens. The law provides different pathways for individuals to acquire citizenship in Oman, including by birth, marriage to an Omani citizen, and naturalization. It also outlines specific eligibility criteria for each pathway, such as parentage for citizenship by birth, conditions for foreign spouses to acquire citizenship through marriage, and requirements for naturalisation. The law also clarifies provisions regarding Omani citizenship by descent. The Nationality Law stipulates that dual citizenship is generally not permitted in Oman, unless granted by the Sultan through a Royal Decree. Under Article 23, Omani nationals who acquire a foreign nationality in violation of the law will automatically lose their Omani citizenship. Marriage-related provisions also affect nationality status. A foreigner who acquires Omani citizenship through marriage to an Omani woman will lose it if the marriage ends in divorce or desertion within five years. The law clarifies that in such cases, the father's loss of nationality does not affect the children, who will retain their Omani nationality. Similarly, a foreign woman who gains Omani citizenship through marriage to an Omani man will lose it if she divorces and subsequently marries a non-Omani. The loss of citizenship takes effect from the date of the second marriage. Under Article 26, an individual may be stripped of his/her nationality if they insult the Sultan or the Sultanate, whether verbally or through actions. Membership in organisations or parties that promote ideologies harmful to Oman's interests is also grounds for revocation. Additionally, Omani nationals who work for a foreign government in a role that conflicts with the country's interests and refuse to resign despite official requests may lose their citizenship. The same applies to those who work for hostile nations actively engaged against Oman. While the law takes a firm stance on these issues, it allows for the reinstatement of citizenship if the circumstances leading to revocation no longer apply. Under Article 27, individuals convicted of crimes against state security or sentenced for multiple felonies within five years of acquiring nationality may have it revoked. Additionally, long-term absence from Oman is a factor — individuals who remain outside the country for more than 24 consecutive months without a valid reason risk losing their nationality. These measures reflect the Omani government's commitment to national integrity and reinforce strict conditions for maintaining citizenship.
Times of Oman
16-04-2025
- Politics
- Times of Oman
His Majesty the Sultan meets Dutch parliament leaders
Muscat: His Majesty Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik has met the President of the Dutch Senate and the President of the House of Representatives at the Dutch Parliament in The Hague. Oman News Agency (ONA), said in a statement :"His Majesty the Sultan meets with the President of the Dutch Senate and the President of the House of Representatives at the Dutch Parliament in The Hague. During the meeting, areas of cooperation and partnership between the two friendly countries were reviewed, as well as ways to enhance them to serve common interests."
Times of Oman
16-04-2025
- Politics
- Times of Oman
His Majesty the Sultan meets Dutch parliament leaders in Hague
Muscat: His Majesty Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik has met the President of the Dutch Senate and the President of the House of Representatives at the Dutch Parliament in the Hague. Oman News Agency (ONA), said in a statement :"His Majesty the Sultan meets with the President of the Dutch Senate and the President of the House of Representatives at the Dutch Parliament in The Hague. During the meeting, areas of cooperation and partnership between the two friendly countries were reviewed, as well as ways to enhance them to serve common interests."
Times of Oman
15-04-2025
- Times of Oman
His Majesty accorded official reception in Netherlands
Muscat: An official reception ceremony was held for His Majesty Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik on the occasion of his state visit to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, at the Royal Palace in the capital, Amsterdam. Upon His Majesty's arrival, he was received by His Majesty King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands and his wife, Her Majesty Queen Máxima. Their Majesties the King and Her Majesty the Queen welcomed His Majesty the Sultan and wished His Majesty and the accompanying official delegation a successful visit and a pleasant stay in the Kingdom of the Netherlands. After that, His Majesty the Sultan, His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen ascended the main platform, and the Omani Royal and Dutch National Anthems were played. After that, His Majesty the Sultan inspected the Guard of Honor, and then His Majesty the King escorted his honorable guest into the palace. Before entering, a group of Omani students studying in the Kingdom of Netherlands, and families of members of the Omani Embassy in Amsterdam, welcomed His Majesty the Sultan.
