Business law in Oman

Legal Framework

Independence of Justice

Articles 59, 60 and 61 of the Constitution guarantees the rule of Law, the impartiality of the Judge, the independence of the judiciary and the prohibition of any interference in a law suit or in the matters of justice. However, the Sultan issues all the judicial appointments.

Equal Treatment of Nationals and Foreigners

The law provides for the right to a fair trial regardless of national origin; however, some foreign embassies report cases of violations of these rights, particularly for migrant workers.

The Language of Justice

Arabic is the official language of the state and the judicial system.

Recourse to an Interpreter

It is possible to have an interpreter in Oman; however, the government does not uniformly provide language interpretation for non-Arabic speakers.

Sources of the Law and Legal Similarities

The Omani judicial system consists of two types of legislation: the primary and secondary legislation. Primary legislation can only be promulgated by the Sultan, and is known as the Royal Decree. Secondary legislation is enacted pursuant to ministerial decisions according to specific powers delegated by the Royal Decrees to the concerned executive or ministerial body. The legal system itself is a combination of the Anglo-Saxon law and the Islamic law. Islam is the State religion and the Islamic Sharia is the basis of legislation (article 2 of the Constitution).

Checking National Laws Online

Judicial laws issued by the Sultanate of Oman