Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman has issued Royal Decree No. 94/2025, granting citizenship to 45 individuals under the recently updated Omani Nationality Law. The decision, reported by the Arabic-language outlet Atheer, underscores the Sultanate’s commitment to national unity and recognition of individuals who have shown loyalty and made valuable contributions to the country. The announcement comes as part of Oman’s continued effort to strengthen social cohesion and regulate citizenship under the revised legal framework introduced earlier this year.
The Omani Nationality Law, reissued in February under Royal Decree No. 17/2025, replaced the earlier version enacted in 2014. It sets out a comprehensive structure defining the conditions for acquiring, maintaining, and revoking Omani citizenship. The law outlines several pathways through which individuals can obtain citizenship, including by birth, marriage to an Omani citizen, or naturalization. Each pathway carries distinct eligibility requirements. For instance, citizenship by birth is linked to parentage, while foreign spouses can apply for citizenship after meeting specific residency and relationship criteria. The updated law also clarifies the rules surrounding citizenship by descent to ensure consistency and transparency.
One of the defining features of the new law is its position on dual citizenship. Under Article 23, Omani nationals are generally prohibited from holding dual nationality unless explicitly allowed by the Sultan through a Royal Decree. Any citizen who voluntarily acquires a foreign nationality without prior approval automatically forfeits Omani citizenship. The law also specifies detailed rules concerning citizenship obtained through marriage. For example, a foreign man who becomes an Omani citizen by marrying an Omani woman will lose that status if the marriage ends within five years due to divorce or desertion. Similarly, a foreign woman who gains citizenship through marriage to an Omani man will lose it if she later marries a non-Omani citizen. In both cases, the citizenship of children remains unaffected.
The law further details the conditions under which citizenship can be revoked. Under Article 26, any individual who insults the Sultan or acts against the interests of the Sultanate, verbally or through actions, may lose their nationality. Membership in organizations that oppose Oman’s sovereignty or promote ideologies harmful to national interests is also grounds for revocation. The same applies to citizens who work for foreign governments or hostile states without official permission and refuse to resign despite directives to do so. Additionally, those convicted of crimes against state security, or multiple felonies within five years of gaining nationality, can be stripped of their citizenship under Article 27. Long-term absence from Oman, exceeding 24 consecutive months without a valid reason, can also lead to loss of nationality.
Despite these strict measures, the law allows for reinstatement of citizenship if the reasons for revocation no longer exist. The updated framework reflects Oman’s balanced approach to preserving national integrity while offering structured pathways for individuals seeking to become part of the Sultanate’s growing and diverse society. Sultan Haitham’s recent decree not only enforces the new legal provisions but also reaffirms the Sultanate’s intent to recognize those who have meaningfully contributed to its development under a transparent and rule-based citizenship framework.
Follow the SPIN IDG WhatsApp Channel for updates across the Smart Pakistan Insights Network covering all of Pakistan’s technology ecosystem.
