05-02-2025
Majlis Ash'shura to discuss key draft laws and agreements
MUSCAT: The Majlis Ash'shura will hold its fourth and fifth regular sittings of the second annual session (2024–2025) of its Tenth Term (2023–2027) on Sunday and Monday. During these sittings, the council will deliberate on and approve a range of legislative proposals, including five draft laws and agreements referred by the government, two proposals submitted by the council and three reports on expressed desires from its standing committees.
In a statement, Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed al Nadabi, Secretary-General of Majlis Ash'shura, noted that the upcoming sittings will feature extensive discussions on pivotal legislation such as the Real Estate Regulation Law, the Telecommunications and Information Technology Regulation Law, the Anti-Human Trafficking Law and the State Revenue Collection Law.
He said that these draft laws have been studied in depth over the past several months, in accordance with Article 49 of the Oman Council Law, which requires that government-drafted laws be reviewed, approved or amended by the Majlis within three months from referral before being forwarded to the Sultan for final ratification.
Al Nadabi emphasised that these legislative projects are at a critical stage in reflecting the integrated national approach and aligning with Oman Vision 2040. He highlighted that the specialised committees have meticulously compared the draft laws with similar regional legislation and incorporated appropriate amendments to enhance their relevance and impact. The sessions will focus on discussing the Majlis's proposed revisions, paving the way for their subsequent submission to the State Council.
In addition, the sittings will address the view of the Public Services and Utilities Committee regarding a maritime transport agreement between the Government of Oman and the Government of the Republic of South Africa, as well as a cooperation agreement between Oman and the Government of the Republic of Tunisia in the field of maritime transport and port services.
Furthermore, the agenda includes the review of several legislative proposals submitted by the Majlis, such as the draft law for establishing a fund to support sports, cultural and youth activities, and a proposal to amend the law governing private entities in the sports sector, originally issued under Royal Decree No 81/2007. The sessions will also cover reports from the standing committees on expressed desires, including initiatives to establish a centre for Omani talents, to enhance the economic returns of certain heritage sites listed as World Heritage and to adopt an initiative by the Ministry of Information to create personal communication channels to improve media performance in serving the community.
The forthcoming sittings underscore the robust legislative activity at the Majlis, reflecting its commitment to establishing a modern legislative framework that meets national development goals and aligns with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040.
