Muscat – The number of Omani men marrying foreigners increased 127.6 per cent between 2014 to 2021, while the number of Omani women marrying non-Omanis declined 14.2 per cent in this period.

In 2014, 163 marriages were registered between Omani men and expat women, increasing to 193 in 2015, 259 in 2016, 248 in 2017, 278 in 2018, 390 in 2019 and 372 in 2021.

In the case of Omani women marrying expat men, the numbers were 70 in 2014, 53 in 2015, 78 in 2016, 54 in 2017, 61 in 2018, 76 in 2019 and 60 in 2021, according to figures released by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI). Statistics for 2022 are not available.

His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik issued a Royal Decree on Sunday on marriage of Omanis to foreigners, abolishing the need to take approval before marrying a foreigner.

Experts and citizens emphasised that the decree represents a quantum leap in the field of individual freedom, and supports efforts to consolidate human rights, especially the right to choose a life partner, in a manner that does not contradict laws and legislation regulating civil rights.

Speaking to Muscat Daily, Dr Ahmed Said al Jahwari, a legal consultant, clarified that the new Royal Decree abolishes the requirement of Ministry of Interior’s approval before marriage.

He explained that the Royal Decree aims to regulate the marriage of Omanis to foreigners in accordance with and in line with the Basic Law of the State and Islamic sharia.

“The Islamic sharia allows the freedom to choose a life partner in accordance with the frameworks of sharia and does not specify nationality.”

Jahwari added that choosing a life partner is a personal freedom for each individual, “but some governments still stipulate that one may not marry a foreign man/woman if he/she wants to stay in a job, and in doing so maybe deprived of that job”.

He informed that the decree pertains only to regulating marriage to a foreigner and is not connected to the nationality law, which is expected soon.

Jamal al Nofli, an author, said, “The new ruling has many advantages, including facilitating marriage, attracting talent, and maintaining flexibility, diversity and cultural development of society.”

Abdullah al Naabi, a citizen, described the decree as ‘excellent’ as it will facilitate marriages and reduce dowries that some Omani families demand when giving the hand of their daughters to young men.

Another citizen said that prior to this decree, getting married to a non-GCC national required the approval of the Ministry of Interior, which was difficult to obtain. “This will change now.”