Muscat – The Executive Regulations of the National Records Law have been issued establishing a detailed framework for the management, exchange and governance of national records data across government entities.

Issued by Lt Gen Hassan Mohsin Al Shuraiqi, Inspector General of Police and Customs, the regulations are based on the National Records Law promulgated under Royal Decree No 52/2024.

According to the Royal Oman Police (ROP), the regulations complete key elements of the legal and regulatory framework governing national records and are intended to enhance data management, institutional coordination and digital integration.

The regulations identify the main sources of national records data as information held or generated by relevant entities, including records relating to individuals, legal entities, residential and non-residential property units, and geographical information.

These establish detailed categories of personal data, including official identity documents, family records, employment information, place of residence, education and health data, income and social benefits, financial and tax records, judicial information, access to government electronic systems, and contact details.

For legal entities, the regulations cover commercial registrations, licences and permits, financial and tax information, employee records, investor and capital data, import and export activities, lease contracts, judicial records and access to government digital services.

The framework also defines data requirements for residential and non-residential properties, including ownership documents, cadastral records, utility accounts, lease agreements, permits and geographical location data. In addition, it outlines the components of national geographical information, covering administrative boundaries, road networks, infrastructure, satellite imagery, natural resources and topographical maps.

Under the new rules, government entities must notify the designated centre at least 60 days before implementing any changes to database systems or procedures that could affect national records data. They are also required to ensure compatibility between upgraded systems and the national records platform and maintain uninterrupted electronic data exchange.

In the event of a system outage, entities must notify the centre within 12 hours and take immediate corrective action. A report detailing the disruption and preventive measures must be submitted within 48 hours after services are restored.

The regulations further require entities to prepare electronic integration plans within a period not exceeding 90 days and to begin sharing databases with the centre within 14 days of achieving technical readiness, unless an extension is approved.

Access to national records data will be governed by strict conditions. Requests must be linked to legal responsibilities, service delivery requirements, approved projects or digital transformation objectives, with applicants required to specify the type of data requested and its intended use.

The centre must review applications and issue a decision within 14 days. Where approval is granted, technical integration with the requesting entity must be completed within 30 working days.