Oman’s 2025 Citizenship Law: Urgent International Calls for Reforming Strict Regulations

On February 2, 2025, Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman officially ratified the new Omani citizenship law, replacing the 2014 citizenship law. The new legislation imposes stricter conditions for acquiring Omani nationality, raising serious concerns about human rights violations, women’s rights, residency for foreign nationals, and freedom of expression.

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Key Provisions of Oman’s New Citizenship Law

🔹 Increased Residency Requirements for Citizenship

Under Article 17, foreign nationals seeking Omani citizenship must have 15 consecutive years of residence in Oman, with no more than 90 days of absence per year. This condition significantly extends the residency period and restricts opportunities for travel related to education, work, or personal reasons.

🔹 Stricter Conditions for Foreign Women Married to Omani Nationals

Article 19 states that foreign women married to Omani men can only apply for citizenship after eight consecutive years of residence, whereas the previous requirement was five years.

🔹 Severe Restrictions for Children of Omani Mothers

Article 22 imposes strict conditions for children born to Omani mothers with foreign fathers to obtain Omani nationality. These conditions include:
✅ The Omani mother must be widowed or divorced for at least five years, or
✅ Her husband must have been missing or abandoned her for ten years.

This law limits children’s access to citizenship and legal rights, potentially leaving many in stateless conditions.

🔹 Revocation of Citizenship and Political Suppression

Article 26 is among the most controversial provisions of the law, as it allows the government to revoke an individual’s nationality based on vague and undefined criteria. The two main reasons for citizenship revocation are:
1️⃣ Criticizing the Sultan or the Omani government, either verbally or physically.
2️⃣ Being a member of any group, party, or organization that the government deems harmful to Oman’s interests.

Omani legal experts have warned that this article could be used as a tool to suppress opposition and limit public freedoms.
The Gulf Centre for Human Rights (GCHR) has also labeled this clause as highly dangerous, stating that it could be weaponized against activists, human rights defenders, and government critics.

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Human Rights Violations and International Concerns

Revoking citizenship contradicts Article 15 of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states:

“Everyone has the right to a nationality. No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of their nationality nor denied the right to change their nationality.”

Additionally, the new law does not provide any legal mechanism for individuals to appeal or seek judicial review if their citizenship is revoked, violating fundamental human rights protections.

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Urgent Calls for Reform

The Gulf Centre for Human Rights (GCHR) and international human rights organizations have urged the Omani government to:
🔹 Amend the nationality law in line with international human rights standards.
🔹 Ensure affected individuals have the right to legal appeal and fair trials.
🔹 Guarantee freedom of expression and protect citizens from the threat of losing their nationality for criticizing the government.

📌 The international community is closely monitoring developments in Oman, with increasing pressure for legal reforms.