Over 150 Expats Granted Omani Citizenship Under New Law

Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik has officially granted Omani citizenship to 156 foreign nationals through Royal Decree No. 17/2025. The announcement follows the implementation of the updated Omani Nationality Law, which came into effect on February 2, 2025.

This marks one of the first large-scale grants of citizenship under the new law, reflecting changes in how the country handles naturalisation.

What’s New in Oman’s Nationality Law?

The new law replaces the 2014 version and introduces more specific guidelines for those looking to become Omani citizens. The updated law lays out several ways for foreigners to gain citizenship, including:

• By birth – if born to an Omani parent

• Through marriage – to an Omani national

• By naturalisation – after meeting certain conditions

However, the law also makes it clear that dual citizenship is not allowed unless directly approved by the Sultan.

Losing Omani Citizenship: Clear Rules Now in Place

The law doesn’t just explain how to gain citizenship — it also outlines how it can be taken away.

• Omani nationals who get a second nationality without official approval will automatically lose their Omani citizenship.

• A foreigner who gains Omani citizenship through marriage may lose it if the marriage ends within five years due to divorce or abandonment.

• If a woman becomes an Omani citizen by marrying an Omani man but later divorces and marries a non-Omani, her Omani citizenship will be revoked.

Children are not affected by the father's loss of citizenship in these cases.

Citizenship Can Be Revoked for Actions Against Oman

Citizenship may also be stripped for reasons beyond marital status. Some key violations include:

• Insulting the Sultan or the country

• Joining groups that work against Oman’s interests

• Working for a foreign government that goes against Omani policies

• Refusing to quit such a job when asked

• Staying outside Oman for more than two years without valid reasons

• Being convicted of national security crimes or multiple serious offenses within five years of acquiring citizenship

Despite these strict rules, the law allows for reinstatement of citizenship if the reasons for revocation no longer apply.

Bottom Line

Oman’s updated Nationality Law shows a more structured and firm approach to who gets to become — and stay — an Omani citizen. While there are now clearer paths to gaining citizenship, the rules for keeping it are just as clear-cut.