Latest news with #RoyalDecreeNo
Observer
23-06-2025
- Business
- Observer
Royal Decree promulgates Income Tax Law
Muscat: His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik on Sunday issued Royal Decree No (56/2025) promulgating the Personal Income Tax Law, after the same was presented before the Council of Oman. Article (1) states that the 'Personal Income Tax Law', attached to this decree, shall be enforced. Article (2) stipulates that the Chairman of the Tax Authority shall issue the Executive Regulation of the law attached to this decree within one year of the date of publication of the same in the Official Gazette. The Chairman of the Tax Authority shall also issue the decisions necessary for the implementation of the Law's provisions. Article (3) cancels the clause (1) of the article (18-bis) of the Income Tax Law issued by Royal Decree No (28/2009). It also cancels all that contradicts the attached law or contravenes its provisions. Article (4) says that this decree shall be published in the Official Gazette and enforced from January 1, 2028.
Observer
15-06-2025
- Politics
- Observer
Workshops kick off for Human Rights Strategy
Muscat, June 15 Under the auspices of Dr Abdullah bin Mohammed al Saeedi, Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs, the Oman Human Rights Commission (OHRC) has launched a series of workshops aimed at preparing Oman's first comprehensive National Human Rights Strategy. More than 55 representatives from government bodies, private sector organisations and civil society institutions are participating in the initiative. The workshops aim to assess the current legal, regulatory and procedural landscape across key human rights areas, identify major challenges and explore opportunities. They seek to develop strategic objectives that are both implementable and measurable, with a clear short- and long-term vision. This effort is being carried out in accordance with Article (11) of the OHRC Statute, issued by Royal Decree No (57/2022), which mandates the Commission to formulate and monitor the strategy in coordination with relevant entities. It marks a pivotal step towards creating a national policy document grounded in a realistic understanding of the human rights situation in Oman. Dr Rashid bin Hamad al Balushi, Chairman of the OHRC, emphasised that the strategy reflects Oman's openness to the international human rights system and reaffirms its commitment to voluntary international obligations - while remaining rooted in national values, cultural identity and humanitarian principles. Utilising a SWOT analysis framework, the workshops are designed to assess strengths and weaknesses, evaluate risks and define strategic objectives backed by solid indicators and a clear baseline for future monitoring. The formal announcement of the National Human Rights Strategy is scheduled for December 10, 2025, to coincide with International Human Rights Day, ushering in a new era of institutional human rights work in Oman. Running from June 15 to July 3, 2025, the workshops are divided into four working groups and covers: Civil and political rights, economic and social rights, environmental and cultural rights and freedom to participate in public life with particular attention to vulnerable groups such as women, children, the elderly and persons with disabilities. Dr Jamal bin Eid al Khadouri, OHRC member, remarked that the strategy will reinforce Oman's human rights framework, elevate its global standing and align with Oman Vision 2040, as well as international agreements and national laws. Inclusion has been a cornerstone of the planning process, with OHRC ensuring participation from academic institutions, civil society organisations, and the private sector - acknowledging that a collaborative approach is essential. Participant Hamad bint Mohammed al Abri, Head of the Security and Safety Statistics Department at the National Centre for Statistics and Information, said: 'Through our contribution of data and indicators across 15 axes, we help strengthen Oman's position globally by identifying and addressing existing gaps in human rights performance.' Meanwhile, Abdulaziz bin Ali al Saadi, Director of Legal Affairs at OHRC and a member of the strategy's executive team, highlighted the extensive groundwork, including several consultative meetings to ensure that the strategy is both inclusive and data-driven. The Commission is working closely with the Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit and the Ministry of Economy to ensure full alignment with national development plans and the Basic Law, as well as with the international conventions Oman has endorsed.
Observer
20-05-2025
- Observer
Workshop highlights human trafficking indicators
Muscat, May 20 A workshop was held on Tuesday titled "Indicators of Human Trafficking, Raising Awareness of Its Dangers, and the Importance of Reporting It". The event aimed to enhance public awareness of the signs of human trafficking, mechanisms for handling victims, fostering a culture of reporting among individuals, and strengthening community partnerships to combat this phenomenon. Marwa al Balushi, a legal researcher at the Family Protection Department, Ministry of Social Development, stated, "The Ministry of Social Development contributes to raising community awareness of the harms of abuse, violence, and encouraging families to report. The beneficiaries of the protection house services include victims of human trafficking, women at risk of abuse and children at risk. The Sultanate of Oman also continues its tireless and ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking in line with the Basic Law, which guarantees justice and equality for all segments of society. It is important to involve all governmental and non-governmental entities in providing protection to victims of human trafficking. Cooperation is ongoing with private sector institutions and civil society to support victims of human trafficking." The workshop, organised by the Ministry of Social Development in collaboration with the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking, saw the participation of several child protection delegates, supervisors from the Protection House, and representatives from the Royal Oman Police working on human trafficking crime indicators. The workshop featured four working papers. The first, presented by the Royal Oman Police, explored "Indicators of Human Trafficking Crimes". The second working paper, titled "The National Committee for Combating Human Trafficking and International Reports", highlighted the committee's responsibilities, as outlined by the Foreign Ministry. The Ministry of Labour presented its role in human trafficking cases, defining forced labour as any work or service exacted under the threat of punishment, which the person did not voluntarily agree to perform. Indicators include non-payment of wages, confiscation of passports, excessive working hours without compensation, threats of termination or deportation, verbal or physical abuse, restricted freedom of movement and the illegal employment of minors. The workshop concluded with a review of "The Legal Framework for Human Trafficking Crimes in the Sultanate of Oman". The paper examined legal provisions under the State's Basic Statute, issued by Royal Decree No 6/2021. Additionally, the workshop reviewed provisions of international conventions related to human trafficking.
Observer
27-04-2025
- Business
- Observer
APSR issues bylaw to regulate tanker operations
MUSCAT: The Authority for Public Services Regulation (APSR) has issued a bylaw for regulating the operation of independent tankers in the water and wastewater sector. The bylaw was issued in implementation of provisions of the Water and Wastewater Sector Regulation Law promulgated by Royal Decree No 40/2023. It was also in pursuance of legislative frameworks on upgrading performance efficiency and the standardisation of services within this vital sector. The bylaw regulates the tasks of independent tanker operators in the areas of water transport and supply. It also streamlines wastewater collection and treated water transport and supply. As a result, the bylaw will enhance the quality of services and establish principles for technical and operational governance in accordance with clear-cut and approved standards. The issuance of the bylaw reflects the efforts made by the APSR to develop the water and wastewater sector's regulatory system and to ensure balance of interests among stakeholders. — ONA
Muscat Daily
13-04-2025
- Politics
- Muscat Daily
Specialised court depts to handle state security cases in Oman
Muscat – Specialised departments have been introduced within the sultanate's judiciary to handle cases related to crimes against the security and prestige of the state following a decision issued by Sayyid Mohammed bin Sultan al Busaidi, Vice-Chairman of Supreme Judicial Council. Issued on March 27, Decision No 149/2025 draws on provisions of the Judicial Authority Law (Royal Decree No 90/99), Criminal Procedure Law (Royal Decree No 97/99) and Royal Decree No 35/2022 concerning judicial administration. It aims to enhance judicial efficiency and focus on matters of national significance. Under the directive, courts of first instance in Muscat, Seeb, Salalah, Nizwa, Suhar, Rustaq, Buraimi, Sur, Ibra, Ibri, Duqm, and Khasab will establish departments to oversee misdemeanour cases linked to offences affecting state security. Each department will also have jurisdiction over cases arising in the area covered by its corresponding Court of Appeal. Similar departments will be set up in courts of appeal in the same wilayats to handle felony cases related to state security. The decision took effect following its publication in the Official Gazette on Sunday.
