Over 350 marriages between Omani men, foreign women recorded in 2021

Muscat: More than 350 marriages between Omani men and foreign women were registered in 2021, according to the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI).

The data of NCSI showed that Muscat Governorate has topped among the governorates in registering marriage cases between Omani males and foreigner females in 2021 with 167 cases, of which 67 were in the Wilayat of Seeb , followed by Dhofar Governorate with 76 cases , of which 46 were in the Wilayat of Salalah and then North Al Batinah Governorate with 58 marriage cases, 40 percent of which were in the Wilayat of Al Khaboura.

Al Buraimi Governorate recorded 16 marriages between Omani men and a foreigner women, 15 cases in South Al Batinah Governorate, 11 cases in North Al Sharqiyah Governorate. While Al Dakhiliyah Governorate recorded 7 cases and 4 cases in Musandam Governorate . No marriages were recorded between Omani males and a foreign females in Al Dhahirah, Al Wusta and South Al Sharqiyah Governorates in 2021.

 For Omanis to marry foreigners, a permit from the Ministry of Interior is required. The aforementioned permit is issued if The applicant met the following conditions :

1-There must be social or health reasons for marriage.

2- The applicant should be financially able to cover the costs of marriage, provide suitable housing, as well as costs related to family support.

3- A subsequent marriage to an Omani woman is also prohibited unless the man’s wife is unable to fulfill marital obligations.

Anyone violating the decision of the Ministry of Interior shall be fined not less than OMR2,000, in addition to being prohibited from working in the public sector. The foreigner wife or husband, shall be denied entry into the Sultanate.