Wednesday 21 / May / 2025
Muscat: The Shura Council on Wednesday concluded its review of the draft Civil Society Institutions Law following extensive discussions on several provisions, referring it to the State Council to complete the legislative process.
This came during the 11th regular session of the second annual convening (2024-2025) of the tenth term (2023-2027), chaired by Khalid Hilal Al Maawali, Chairman of the Shura Council.
During today's session, the Council finalised discussions on the draft law referred by the government, with the project report presented by Mansour Zahir Al Hajri, Chairman of the Health and Social Committee.
Al Hajri explained that the draft law responds to developments in civil society work in Oman, noting that the new legislation aims to address social and regulatory challenges facing civil society institutions. It establishes a flexible and progressive legal framework that accommodates ongoing transformations while enhancing these institutions' role in national development. The draft also introduces specialised provisions for volunteer teams, comprising 83 articles organised into six chapters covering general definitions, civil associations, civil institutions, social associations, volunteer work, and final provisions.
He indicated that the committee held multiple meetings with various civil society institutions and relevant entities to consider their perspectives and observations on the draft law's articles. He affirmed that the committee carefully examined all legislative and social dimensions during its review.
During the session, Council members provided observations on several provisions and proposed enhancements to strengthen the legal texts and ensure alignment with the practical realities of civil society institutions.
Discussions also addressed aspects related to licensing, classifications, governance of civil work, as well as penalty clauses.
