Omani nationality law

Oman nationality law determines who is an Omani citizen and who is not. Foreigners are rarely given citizenship.^[1][2][3]

By Birth

Children born to unknown parents in Oman are Omani citizens by birth.

By Descent

Children born to an Omani father or an Omani mother and an unknown father irrespective of the place of birth is an Omani citizen by descent. Children born to an Omani mother and foreign father may be granted citizenship if he or she fulfils the following:

• The child's foreign father is dead, divorced or abandoned the Omani mother for at least 10 years.
• The marriage took place with permission from the Ministry.
• Under the Omani mother's custody.
• Lived in Oman for 10 years.
• Not a criminal; has a good reputation.
• Can voluntarily give up his foreign nationalities.
• His guardian has given perimission.

By Marriage

A foreign woman who married an Omani man has right to Omani citizenship if she fulfils the following:

• The marriage took place with permission from the Ministry.
• Bore her Omani husband a son.
• Lived with her husband for 10 years in Oman.
• Has knowledge of the Arabic language.
• Not a criminal; has a good reputation.

A foreign widow or divorcee of an Omani man has right to Omani citizenship if she fulfils the above and has not remarried a non-Omani person.

By Naturalisation

A foreigner may be granted citizenship if he or she fulfils the following:

• Lived in Oman for 20 years. If married to an Omani woman the foreign man has to stay in Oman for 15 year provided that he has a son with the Omani wife and the marriage was solemnized with permission from the Omani ministry.
• Mentally fit. Willing to renounce foreign citizenship(s).

References