Latest news with #RoyalDecreeNo
Observer
20-05-2025
- Observer
Workshop highlights human trafficking indicators
Muscat, May 20 A workshop was held on Tuesday titled "Indicators of Human Trafficking, Raising Awareness of Its Dangers, and the Importance of Reporting It". The event aimed to enhance public awareness of the signs of human trafficking, mechanisms for handling victims, fostering a culture of reporting among individuals, and strengthening community partnerships to combat this phenomenon. Marwa al Balushi, a legal researcher at the Family Protection Department, Ministry of Social Development, stated, "The Ministry of Social Development contributes to raising community awareness of the harms of abuse, violence, and encouraging families to report. The beneficiaries of the protection house services include victims of human trafficking, women at risk of abuse and children at risk. The Sultanate of Oman also continues its tireless and ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking in line with the Basic Law, which guarantees justice and equality for all segments of society. It is important to involve all governmental and non-governmental entities in providing protection to victims of human trafficking. Cooperation is ongoing with private sector institutions and civil society to support victims of human trafficking." The workshop, organised by the Ministry of Social Development in collaboration with the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking, saw the participation of several child protection delegates, supervisors from the Protection House, and representatives from the Royal Oman Police working on human trafficking crime indicators. The workshop featured four working papers. The first, presented by the Royal Oman Police, explored "Indicators of Human Trafficking Crimes". The second working paper, titled "The National Committee for Combating Human Trafficking and International Reports", highlighted the committee's responsibilities, as outlined by the Foreign Ministry. The Ministry of Labour presented its role in human trafficking cases, defining forced labour as any work or service exacted under the threat of punishment, which the person did not voluntarily agree to perform. Indicators include non-payment of wages, confiscation of passports, excessive working hours without compensation, threats of termination or deportation, verbal or physical abuse, restricted freedom of movement and the illegal employment of minors. The workshop concluded with a review of "The Legal Framework for Human Trafficking Crimes in the Sultanate of Oman". The paper examined legal provisions under the State's Basic Statute, issued by Royal Decree No 6/2021. Additionally, the workshop reviewed provisions of international conventions related to human trafficking.
Observer
27-04-2025
- Business
- Observer
APSR issues bylaw to regulate tanker operations
MUSCAT: The Authority for Public Services Regulation (APSR) has issued a bylaw for regulating the operation of independent tankers in the water and wastewater sector. The bylaw was issued in implementation of provisions of the Water and Wastewater Sector Regulation Law promulgated by Royal Decree No 40/2023. It was also in pursuance of legislative frameworks on upgrading performance efficiency and the standardisation of services within this vital sector. The bylaw regulates the tasks of independent tanker operators in the areas of water transport and supply. It also streamlines wastewater collection and treated water transport and supply. As a result, the bylaw will enhance the quality of services and establish principles for technical and operational governance in accordance with clear-cut and approved standards. The issuance of the bylaw reflects the efforts made by the APSR to develop the water and wastewater sector's regulatory system and to ensure balance of interests among stakeholders. — ONA
Muscat Daily
13-04-2025
- Politics
- Muscat Daily
Specialised court depts to handle state security cases in Oman
Muscat – Specialised departments have been introduced within the sultanate's judiciary to handle cases related to crimes against the security and prestige of the state following a decision issued by Sayyid Mohammed bin Sultan al Busaidi, Vice-Chairman of Supreme Judicial Council. Issued on March 27, Decision No 149/2025 draws on provisions of the Judicial Authority Law (Royal Decree No 90/99), Criminal Procedure Law (Royal Decree No 97/99) and Royal Decree No 35/2022 concerning judicial administration. It aims to enhance judicial efficiency and focus on matters of national significance. Under the directive, courts of first instance in Muscat, Seeb, Salalah, Nizwa, Suhar, Rustaq, Buraimi, Sur, Ibra, Ibri, Duqm, and Khasab will establish departments to oversee misdemeanour cases linked to offences affecting state security. Each department will also have jurisdiction over cases arising in the area covered by its corresponding Court of Appeal. Similar departments will be set up in courts of appeal in the same wilayats to handle felony cases related to state security. The decision took effect following its publication in the Official Gazette on Sunday.
Observer
17-03-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman strengthens banking laws to drive financial innovation
MUSCAT: The Sultanate of Oman has taken a significant step in modernising its financial sector with the issuance of Royal Decree No (2/2025) on the Banking Law and Royal Decree No (3/2025) on the Central Bank of Oman (CBO) System. These legislative changes coincide with the appointment of a new CBO Governor and Board of Directors, reinforcing efforts to enhance the legal and regulatory framework governing the financial system. The reforms aim to ensure the sector remains resilient, adaptable and aligned with international banking developments. Over the past two decades, Oman's banking industry has undergone substantial growth, making it necessary to update its legislative structure to keep pace with digital transformation and emerging financial services. The new Banking Law, comprising 241 articles, is designed to improve regulatory clarity, enhance transparency and foster financial inclusion. It introduces measures to strengthen the governance of the Central Bank of Oman, outlining its responsibilities in implementing monetary policy, managing liquidity and maintaining financial stability. The law also affirms the CBO's exclusive authority over currency issuance, ensuring that national currency regulations align with global financial advancements. One of the major updates in the Banking Law is its focus on attracting foreign investment and expanding banking operations. The revised regulations simplify procedures for foreign banks entering the Omani market while granting financial institutions greater flexibility in investment and credit activities. This includes enhanced support for small and medium-sized enterprises, facilitating access to financing for local businesses and large-scale projects. The law also dedicates a chapter to Islamic banking, introducing provisions that eliminate multiple taxes and fees on real estate and movable assets, making Sharia-compliant finance more attractive. Recognising the rapid evolution of digital finance, the new law paves the way for digital banks, financial technology (fintech) solutions, crowdfunding platforms and open banking applications. By easing regulatory requirements, Oman aims to encourage innovation in banking services while promoting financial inclusion. Additionally, the law reinforces consumer protection, emphasising transparency in service pricing, fairness in banking transactions and stricter safeguards for customer data privacy. The governance framework for the Central Bank of Oman has also been restructured under Royal Decree No (3/2025), which outlines the bank's core objectives through a set of 21 articles. These objectives include ensuring monetary stability, overseeing banking and non-banking financial institutions, enforcing financial regulations and maintaining the overall safety of the financial system. The new framework enhances the CBO's role in supporting Oman's long-term economic development, in line with the nation's broader financial and investment goals. These reforms build on Royal Decree No 47/2024, which introduced the Bank Deposit Protection Law to safeguard depositor funds and bolster confidence in the financial sector. These legislative measures establish a robust, transparent and investor-friendly banking environment, positioning Oman as a stable financial hub in the region while ensuring sustainable economic growth. — ONA
Muscat Daily
09-02-2025
- Politics
- Muscat Daily
Oman sets new guidelines for acquiring citizenship
Muscat – The Royal Decree on the Omani Nationality Law issued last week has introduced a new set of conditions for foreign nationals seeking Omani citizenship, requiring a minimum of 15 years of continuous residence in the country, proficiency in Arabic, and a record of good conduct. Applicants must also demonstrate financial independence, maintain good health, and renounce their previous nationality to qualify. The updated Omani Nationality Law, outlined in Royal Decree No 17/2025, builds on the original Nationality Law enacted in 2014 and aims to streamline the citizenship process while prioritising national interests. Under the new regulations, the Ministry of Interior will oversee all nationality applications and has the authority to reject any application without providing an explanation. Disputes over nationality decisions will no longer be subject to court rulings. The decree also establishes clear guidelines for revoking citizenship. Omani nationality can be revoked if an individual engages in activities considered harmful to the sultanate's interests, such as insulting the country or the Sultan, or working for foreign states or hostile organisations against Oman's interests. However, provisions for the restoration of citizenship are included, allowing individuals to regain their nationality if the reasons for revocation are resolved. Harsh penalties have been introduced for those found submitting false information or fraudulent documents in their citizenship applications. Offenders face up to three years in prison and fines ranging from RO5,000 to RO10,000. The reforms reflect Oman's commitment to a regulated citizenship process that upholds its sovereignty and ensures that applicants meet the country's standards for nationality.
