Saturday 05 / October / 2024
MUSCAT: There has been an increase in divorce cases in recent times with Muscat Governorate recording the highest number of divorce cases during 2022, according to the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI).
The NCSI report said that more than 970 registered divorce documents were received from Muscat Governorate alone last year.
In 2022, 4,160 divorce cases were registered across all governorates of the Sultanate of Oman. Among them there were 3,682 cases between Omani couples while 208 cases were between Omani and expatriate couples.
The NCSI data revealed that the Muscat Governorate recorded 977 cases, followed by Dhofar Governorate 786 and North Al Batinah Governorate 666 cases.
Musandam Governorate recorded the lowest number of divorce cases with just 32 while Al Wusta Governorate registered 41.
There has been a steady increase in divorce cases from 2021 when 3,837 documents were registered as compared to 4,160 in 2022.
The NCSI report said that 15,400 marriages took place in Oman in 2022, which included 14,127 of Omani couples and 613 between Omanis and expatriates. Also there were 66 expatriates who married Omani women.
Muscat Governorate recorded the highest number of 3,162 marriage registrations.
There was a sharp decline in marriages with more than 50 percent drop as compared to 2021. Last year only 15,400 marriages took place, but there were 39,000 weddings in 2021.
A marriage counsellor said, “The spike in divorce cases raises a lot of questions. From changing societal norms to the evolving role of women, several factors are responsible for the growing trend. Modern living also puts a lot of stress and strain on marriages, as individuals adapt to new expectations and challenges. Work pressure, financial burden and maintaining a healthy work-life balance often contribute to marital discord.”
In an interview with Al Shabiba Radio earlier this year, a senior official at the Ministry of Social Development (MoSD) had expressed concern on the rising divorce cases and attributed it to the growing influence of social media.
Dr Jalal bin Yousef Al Mukhaini, director of family counselling and guidance at the social development ministry, said: “The rise of divorce cases are increasing among young people and groups with low educational and economic levels.”
Al Mukhaini expressed his concern on the impact of social media on newly-married couples.
He said: “We see young married couples getting carried away with their own ideas, believing that marriage is all rosy and full of love. But the fact is that there are a lot of adjustments to be made by both. And when there is a lack of communication between partners and families who fail to intervene, it causes a rift. At times, the expectations towards life differ for both with financial issues often leading to clashes.
“In today’s world, infidelity caused by social media interactions has also led to a rise in divorce cases in Oman, where women are now looking for equal life partnerships.”
Al Mukhaini opined that the reasons for divorce differ for each couple but denial of parity in marriage partnership or a shift in the gender role expectations are among the other reasons.
“Studies have shown that among the other causes of divorce include poor communication and conflict resolution skills, lack of quality time spent together, and a delay or reluctance in seeking marriage counselling,” he added.
“There is a great need to bring down the number of divorce cases in the Sultanate of Oman and it would be possible only if efforts are made at all levels to safeguard family life,” concluded Al Mukhaini.
