Omanis Welcome New Royal Decree that Eases Curbs on Marriage

The people of Oman are rejoicing in the issuance of the new Royal Decree, which allows citizens to marry foreigners without the approval of the Ministry of Interior.

On Sunday, His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik issued Royal Decree No. 23/2023, which allows Omani citizens' marriage to foreigners without the approval of the Ministry of Interior. 

A citizen from Jalan Bani Bu Ali Mohammed Al Darai said that the decree “is a good decision. I don’t understand why a person should seek approval of the Ministry of Interior to marry someone of his/her choice?”

People on social media have also positively reacted to the news praising the decree as "another step forward" and "very good news". 

Nasr Al-Busaidi, a citizen from the Wilayat of Nizwa, explained that the new decree will reduce stigma from young men and women who are children of Asian mothers and who have not been able to marry because their parents' marriage was not registered. Al-Busaidi also saw the decree as benefitting Omani citizens by reducing the excessive costs of marrying foreigners.