Monday 10 / February / 2025
Muscat: The Shura Council on Sunday referred two major draft laws—the Anti-Human Trafficking Law and the Real Estate Regulation Law—to the State Council for further legislative processing.
This action, taken during the fourth regular sitting of the second annual session (2024–2025) of the tenth term (2023–2027), is in accordance with Article 49 of the Oman Council Law, which stipulates that government-drafted laws must be reviewed by the Council for approval or amendment within three months of referral and then forwarded to the Sultan for ratification and issuance.
During the session, the Council also approved several additional legislative initiatives, namely: • the proposal for a draft law establishing a Support Fund for Sports, Cultural, and Youth Activities, the proposal for amending the law governing private entities operating in the sports sector originally issued by Royal Decree No. 81/2007, and the expressed desire to establish a Centre for Omani Talents.
In his opening remarks, Khalid Hilal Al Ma’awali, Chairman of the Shura Council, highlighted the Council’s pivotal role in shaping national development plans and supporting state agencies in achieving sustainable stability and prosperity across all sectors.
Following his address, Dr. Ahmed Ali Al Saadi, Chairman of the Legal and Legislative Committee, presented the committee’s report on the Anti-Human Trafficking Law draft.
He explained that extensive consultations were held with representatives from the Omani Human Rights Committee (OHRC) and the National Anti-Human Trafficking Committee, resulting in a comprehensive and balanced set of recommendations.
He emphasised that the draft law, designed to update the current legislation in line with the Penal Code, the Criminal Procedure Law, and relevant international agreements, provides enhanced legal protection for victims and establishes stronger deterrence against human trafficking crimes in Oman.
Subsequently, the Council reviewed the Real Estate Regulation Law draft.
Hamoud Ahmed Al Yahyai, Chairman of the Public Services and Utilities Committee, provided an overview of the draft, which comprises 64 articles across nine chapters. He noted that the real estate sector is among the most rapidly growing and dynamic in the world, and that modern, unified legislation is essential to attract investors and regulate property transactions.
He highlighted the need for clear, integrated legal provisions that govern real estate activities, define the rights and obligations of stakeholders, streamline licencing procedures, and enhance market stability.
During joint discussions, Dr. Talal Ali Al Saadi, Deputy Chairman of the Legal and Legislative Committee, presented the amendments where disagreements had arisen between the two committees.
Following extensive deliberations and input from Council members, the finalised texts for both draft laws were approved and subsequently referred to the State Council for further consideration.
In addition, the session approved the following initiatives for further discussion at upcoming sittings: the proposal for a draft law establishing a Support Fund for Sports, Cultural, and Youth Activities, aimed at bolstering sustainable development in these sectors and aligning with Oman Vision 2040; and the proposal for amending the law governing private sports entities, issued under Royal Decree No. 81/2007.
Furthermore, the Council endorsed the expressed desire to establish a Centre for Omani Talents.
This initiative is intended to identify and nurture young talent in accordance with the priorities of Oman Vision 2040, with anticipated positive financial, economic, legislative, and social impacts. The proposal includes plans for a future expansion through the creation of regional branches to further support national talent development.
Looking ahead, the Council will continue on Monday with its regular sitting, during which it will also deliberate on the draft Telecommunications and Information Technology Regulation Law referred by the government, as well as review the Public Services and Utilities Committee’s recommendations on a maritime transport agreement with the Government of the Republic of South Africa and a cooperation agreement with the Government of the Republic of Tunisia in the maritime and port sectors.
In addition, the Council will consider reports from the Media, Tourism, and Culture Committee on the expressed desires to maximize the economic returns of certain heritage sites listed as World Heritage and to support the Ministry of Information’s initiative to create personal communication channels that enhance media performance for the community.
