Want Omani Passport? Here’s What You Need to Know

The Sultanate of Oman has officially granted citizenship to 156 foreign nationals, following a royal decree issued by Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik.

The 2024 nationality law, announced earlier this year, replaces the previous legislation from 2014 and aligns with Oman’s updated constitutional principles as outlined in the Basic Law of the State.

It introduces clear procedures for granting, revoking, restoring, and renouncing citizenship, aiming to preserve national identity while recognizing the contributions of long-term foreign residents.

Definition of Omani Citizenship by Origin

Under the new law, individuals born to Omani fathers, whether in Oman or abroad, qualify as citizens by origin.

The law also extends eligibility to certain grandchildren of Omanis who received citizenship by grant, provided the applicant is over 50.

Additionally, stateless children born to Omani fathers are granted citizenship regardless of the mother’s nationality.

Dual Nationality Restrictions

Omani law continues to prohibit dual citizenship to maintain exclusive national allegiance.

Exceptions are only possible through royal decree based on recommendations from the Minister of Interior. Citizens seeking to renounce Omani nationality must obtain official approval and demonstrate that all national obligations have been fulfilled.

Granting and Revoking Citizenship

All decisions regarding the granting, restoration, or revocation of citizenship are formalized through royal decrees. The law allows for exceptional cases to bypass standard requirements, but these too must be approved at the highest level.

Any acts deemed to harm national security, such as associating with hostile groups, acquiring another nationality without approval, or providing false documents, can result in the loss or revocation of citizenship.

Restoration of Citizenship

Omanis who previously renounced their citizenship may apply for restoration under conditions such as residing in Oman, maintaining good moral conduct, and renouncing foreign citizenship.

Their minor children may regain citizenship alongside them, and adult children who lost it due to their father’s renunciation may apply for reinstatement within five years of reaching adulthood.

Requirements for Foreign Nationals

Foreigners applying for Omani citizenship must fulfill a rigorous set of conditions, including:

• At least 15 years of continuous legal residence in Oman (with limited absences).
• Proficiency in Arabic reading and writing.
• A clean legal record and good conduct.
• Proof of good health and an income source.
• A written commitment to renounce previous nationality.

Citizenship Through Marriage and Family Ties

The law outlines detailed criteria for acquiring citizenship through marital and familial connections:

• Foreign husbands of Omani women may apply after 10 years of marriage and residency, with at least one child from the marriage.
• Foreign wives of Omani men qualify after eight years under similar conditions.
• Widows and divorced spouses must meet specific residency and conduct requirements.
• Children of Omani mothers and foreign fathers may also qualify under certain conditions, especially in cases of divorce, widowhood, or paternal absence.

Legal Enforcement and Penalties

To protect the integrity of the process, the law imposes strict penalties for submitting false documents or fraudulent information. Violations may lead to up to three years in prison, fines between 5,000 and 10,000 Omani rials, or both.

The recent granting of citizenship to 156 individuals marks a notable implementation of Oman’s updated legal framework, signaling a more structured and transparent path for those seeking to contribute long-term to the country’s development.