Latest news with #BasicLawoftheState
Muscat Daily
08-07-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Oman launches initiative to boost jobs for persons with disabilities
Muscat – A national initiative was launched on Tuesday to enhance employment opportunities for persons with disabilities in the private sector, reinforcing the sultanate's commitment to social inclusion and economic empowerment. The announcement was made during the opening of the Business and Human Rights Forum, organised by Oman Human Rights Commission (OHRC) in cooperation with the United Nations Working Group on Business and Human Rights. The initiative aims to promote equal opportunity and non-discrimination by ensuring fair access to employment across diverse private sector environments. It also seeks to implement the forum's outcomes through practical measures aligned with national employment targets and the broader objectives of justice, inclusion and sustainability. Held under the patronage of H E Qais bin Mohammed al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, the two-day forum which opened on Tuesday has the participation of government institutions, private sector representatives, civil society, academia, UN agencies and international human rights experts. Dr Rashid bin Hamad al Balushi, Chairman of OHRC, said Oman has long adopted a balanced approach to development by linking economic freedom with social responsibility. He cited the Basic Law of the State and Oman Vision 2040 as key frameworks that uphold principles of good governance, sustainability and respect for human rights. Dr Rashid bin Hamad al Balushi 'Promoting human rights in the workplace is a strategic imperative,' Balushi said. 'It supports sustainable development and builds trust between employees, employers, investors and consumers.' Dr Damilola Olawuyi, a member of the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights, commended Oman's new initiative, calling it an important step in aligning trade and employment policies with international human rights standards. He noted that more than 30 countries have adopted national action plans on business and human rights since 2011 and stressed the importance of responsible corporate conduct in advancing development goals. Dr Damilola Olawuyi The forum's opening day featured two thematic sessions. The first explored national and international frameworks for protecting human rights in business, including the UN Guiding Principles, legal protections in Oman, the role of Oman Vision 2040, and the contribution of higher education institutions in building awareness. The second session focused on shared responsibilities across institutions. Participants included representatives from the judiciary, Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Consumer Protection Authority, and Ooredoo, which presented a case study on its workplace inclusion practices for persons with disabilities. The forum will continue on Wednesday with discussions on developing institutional policies to safeguard human rights. Representatives from the public, private and civil society sectors will examine strategies to enhance cross-sector collaboration and ensure effective implementation of rights-based practices. The forum supports Oman's broader efforts to integrate human rights into the business ecosystem, in line with Vision 2040 priorities and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. It also aims to encourage dialogue, share experiences and address challenges in aligning domestic legislation with global standards.
Observer
08-07-2025
- Business
- Observer
SAI submits annual report to HM
Muscat: Shaikh Ghosn bin Hilal al Alawi, Chairman of the State Audit Institution (SAI), has submitted the SAI 2024 Annual Report on the outcomes of its work to His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik. Throughout the year, SAI dedicated all its resources and capabilities to fulfilling its national role by carrying out its assigned responsibilities and achieving its objectives with a high level of efficiency and professionalism. It also promoted effective institutional and societal partnership in support of the goals of sustainable development. SAI has also sent copies of the Annual Report to the Council of Ministers, the State Council and the Majlis Ash'shura. This move comes as per Article 66 of the Basic Law of the State, issued under Royal Decree No 6/2021, and Article 29 of State Audit Law, issued under Royal Decree No 111/2011. The report included several topics resulting from SAI's exercise of its mandates and audit of government units, authorities, investments, and companies subject to its audit, in accordance with the approved 2024 annual audit plan. The execution of these tasks took into consideration the objectives of Oman Vision 2040 and was guided by the principles, foundations and standard guidelines of the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI), particularly with regard to comprehensiveness, clarity, conciseness, accuracy, objectivity and audit manuals. Based on materiality and risk analysis, and applying the principle of sample-based auditing, SAI carried out 225 audit tasks, which resulted in 172 audit reports. The findings were communicated to the relevant entities, which responded positively by taking corrective actions and implementing SAI's recommendations. In addition, some irregularities that constituted criminal suspicions were referred to the Public Prosecution for appropriate legal action. The report also included a statement outlining SAI's efforts to promote integrity, presenting statistics on financial and administrative violations and the actions taken in response. It also covered following up on the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Corruption, as well as SAI's participation in the meetings, conferences, relevant agreements and committees associated with it. In addition, the report detailed SAI's review of draft laws, regulations and systems prepared by the entities subject to the audit of SAI, providing comments regarding them. The report also showcased SAI's efforts in carrying out a number of awareness activities and training programmes, and preparing related manuals aimed at protecting public fund and promoting integrity. The Annual Report also included the review of various topics within government units, such as the audit of the State's final account for the year 2024, review of tax collection and assessment, review of financial and administrative activities, and evaluation of the performance of certain directorates and departments within these units. With regard to matters related to the activities of authorities, investments and companies, the report covered several topics related to the sectors of energy, minerals, aviation, environment, electricity, water, food security, wastewater and other important matters that were reported to the relevant entities along with SAI's observations and recommendations. With regard to community partnership, based on the principle that protecting public fund is a joint responsibility, SAI dealt with 1,378 complaints and reports in 2024 concerning financial and administrative violations, the integrity of awarding some tenders, abuse of power, and other related issues. These were received through various communication channels, and approximately 90% of the complaints and reports have been examined and addressed. It is important to note that SAI's complaints and reports window was selected as one of the best practices by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA). The report also featured an overview of the key media and awareness initiatives undertaken by SAI, aimed at fostering optimal awareness and adherence to ethical practices at both institutional and societal levels. A total of 187 media and awareness programmes, activities and events were carried out in 2024. — ONA
Muscat Daily
07-07-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Over 1,300 financial violations registered in Oman in 2024
Muscat – State Audit Institution (SAI) registered 1,378 public complaints and reports in 2024 concerning financial and administrative violations, abuse of authority and breaches in public tendering processes. According to its annual report, 90% of these were reviewed and acted upon, reflecting growing public engagement and SAI's oversight capabilities. The findings were presented by Sheikh Ghosn Hilal al Alawi, Chairman of SAI, to His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik. Based on the Basic Law of the State and the State Audit Law, the report was also submitted to the Council of Ministers, the State Council and Majlis A'Shura. The report highlights SAI's efforts to uphold transparency, combat corruption and ensure the integrity of public finance. In 2024, SAI conducted 225 oversight missions, resulting in 172 formal reports. These were sent to relevant ministries and government bodies, many of which made recommendations or took corrective steps. Several cases involving suspected criminal violations were referred to the Public Prosecution. The SAI report documents financial mismanagement and administrative shortcomings across a range of sectors. These include failures in public procurement, inefficiencies in project execution and non-compliance with financial regulations. Key areas audited include tax assessment and collection, public investments, and spending in sectors such as energy, water, environment, food security, aviation and sanitation. The audit body also reviewed the final state account for the year and evaluated the administrative and financial performance of directorates under its jurisdiction. It provided legal opinion on draft laws and regulatory frameworks proposed by government entities, aiming to close loopholes and enhance fiscal governance. To foster a culture of accountability, SAI organised 187 outreach activities throughout the year. These included awareness campaigns, media engagement and training sessions targeting public sector employees and civil society. The aim was to promote ethical practices, highlight consequences of mismanagement and improve understanding of the audit process. SAI's complaint and reporting system was recognised by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia as a regional model for public engagement in accountability. It allows citizens to report violations anonymously and track follow-up action. The report was prepared following international audit protocols and technical guidelines, ensuring clarity, accuracy and transparency. SAI affirmed its continued commitment to serving as a key partner in achieving the objectives of Oman Vision 2040.
Muscat Daily
20-05-2025
- Muscat Daily
Oman urges vigilance against human trafficking
Muscat – The Ministry of Social Development, in coordination with the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking, organised a workshop on Tuesday aimed at raising awareness of human trafficking, strengthening victim support mechanisms, and promoting community cooperation in addressing the issue. The workshop on 'Indicators of Human Trafficking, Raising Awareness of its Dangers, and the Importance of Reporting It' brought together child protection delegates, supervisors at the Protection Home, ministry customer service staff, and representatives from the Royal Oman Police involved in anti-trafficking efforts. A ministry official said the workshop formed part of broader efforts to enhance public awareness and coordination among key stakeholders. 'The workshop focused on recognising signs of trafficking and improving the way we support victims,' the official stated. The programme included four working papers. In the first, the Royal Oman Police outlined common indicators of trafficking, including deprivation of liberty or official documents, labour law violations, forced begging, the presence of women and children in inappropriate locations, physical abuse, poor living conditions, lack of communication, breaches of the Foreigners' Residence Law, money laundering, illegal immigration, and migrant smuggling. The second paper, presented by the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking, explained the committee's mandate, including the preparation of a national action plan. It highlighted the importance of introducing clear controls and procedures, developing rehabilitation programmes for victims, and improving coordination with border and transport authorities. The committee also addressed the local and international implications of human trafficking. The Ministry of Labour (MoL) presented the third paper, detailing its role in identifying cases of forced or compulsory labour. It described such cases as involving work performed under threat and without voluntary consent. Warning signs included unpaid wages, confiscation of passports, excessive working hours without pay, threats of deportation, abuse, restricted movement, and illegal employment of minors. The final paper reviewed Oman's legal framework for addressing trafficking, with reference to the Basic Law of the State issued under Royal Decree No. 6/2021. It affirmed guarantees of personal liberty, human dignity, and the right to a secure life, while reiterating Oman's commitment to international agreements and anti-trafficking standards. Authorities said the workshop is part of an ongoing effort to improve early detection, ensure more effective victim support, and strengthen enforcement of anti-trafficking laws.
Gulf Insider
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Gulf Insider
How To Get Omani Citizenship: A Complete Guide
The Sultanate of Oman recently granted citizenship to 156 expats, following a decree by Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik. In February, the royal decree on the Omani nationality law was issued, and introduced a new set of conditions for foreign nationals seeking Omani citizenship. This law replaces the previous citizenship legislation of 2014 and aligns nationality regulations with the nation's current constitutional principles as outlined in the Basic Law of the State. The law establishes clear guidelines and procedures for acquiring, restoring, renouncing, and losing Omani citizenship, thereby ensuring national identity is preserved while accommodating deserving individuals who contribute to Oman's development. The Omani citizenship by origin applies to persons born to Omani fathers, whether within the sultanate or abroad, before the law's enactment. The law extends citizenship by origin to certain grandchildren of Omanis who acquired citizenship by grant, provided the grandchild is over 50 years old. Citizenship also applies to those born to Omani fathers who become stateless, regardless of the mother's nationality, reflecting a commitment to prevent statelessness within Oman's population. The law generally prohibits dual nationality to maintain exclusive allegiance to Oman. Exceptions require a royal decree based on a recommendation from the Minister of Interior. Renunciation of Omani citizenship is permitted only after the minister's approval and confirmation that the individual has met all obligations to the sultanate. Minor children linked to a renouncing father retain citizenship unless the father requests otherwise and foreign nationality laws allow it. All actions involving the granting, withdrawal, revocation, or restoration of citizenship are executed by royal decree, ensuring that such decisions receive the highest level of scrutiny. The law provides flexibility by permitting exceptional grants or restorations of citizenship through royal decrees that may waive usual legal requirements. Individuals who receive or regain citizenship enjoy full civil rights from the effective date of the relevant royal decree. The law lists circumstances leading to citizenship loss or revocation to uphold national interests: Automatic loss if an Omani acquires another nationality without state authorization. Revocation of citizenship granted through marriage if the marriage dissolves before five years or if a foreign spouse remarries outside Omani nationality. Citizenship loss or revocation for acts deemed injurious to the sultanate, including insults, association with hostile groups, working for adversarial foreign entities, or criminal offenses. Withdrawal of citizenship granted illegally or associated with criminal behavior or prolonged unjustified absence from Oman. Provision for restoration of citizenship if the grounds for revocation no longer exist. Omanis by origin who renounced citizenship and acquired foreign nationality may seek restoration if they meet certain conditions including: Residing normally in Oman or having returned with the intent to settle. Maintaining good moral character without recent criminal convictions. Declaring in writing their intention to renounce other nationalities. Minor children regain citizenship along with the father. Additionally, children who lost citizenship due to their father's renunciation can apply for reinstatement within five years of reaching adulthood. The law outlines stringent criteria for foreigners seeking Omani citizenship. A minimum of 15 years of continuous legal residence in Oman, allowing absences not exceeding 90 days per year. Proficiency in reading and writing Arabic to ensure cultural and linguistic integration. Demonstration of good conduct and a clean legal record. Good health and freedom from infectious diseases as determined by regulation. Possession of a legitimate, sufficient income source to support oneself and dependents. Written commitment to renounce previous nationality, ensuring single citizenship in Oman. Minor children acquire citizenship through their Omani father if born or residing in Oman. Family relationships provide additional paths to citizenship under detailed conditions: Foreign husbands of Omani women may apply after 10 years of marriage and residency, with a requirement to have a child from the marriage. Foreign wives of Omani men qualify after eight years of marriage and residency, provided they have a child from the marriage and meet language and conduct standards. Foreign widows and divorced spouses also have defined residency, family, and conduct prerequisites to qualify. Minor children born to Omani mothers and foreign fathers may acquire citizenship when custody and residency conditions are met, particularly in cases of widowhood, divorce, or absence of the father. To ensure the integrity of citizenship issuance, the law imposes strict penalties for fraudulent actions such as providing false documents or information. Convicted individuals face imprisonment for up to three years, fines ranging between 5,000 and 10,000 Omani rials, or both.
