Muscat: Non-Omanis or expatriates in Oman have been barred from ownership of land in some designated places. Expatriates have been barred from using the land for agricultural purposes.
The royal decree 29/2018 issued recently was on the promulgation of law on prohibition of non-Omani ownership of lands and real estate in some places.
It stated that the Minister of Housing will issue the bylaws, regulations and decisions necessary for the implementation of the provisions of the law attached to this Decree after coordinating with the departments concerned.
Accordingly, Article 1 bans the ownership of real estate and land for non-Omanis in Musandam, Buraimi, Dhahirah, Al Wusta, Dhofar (except Salalah), Liwa, Shinas, Masirah, Jebel Akhdar and Jebel Shams, any mountains and islands of strategic importance that are situated near palaces, security and military apparatus and ancient archaeological lanes determined by the competent authorities.
As per the Article 2, non-Omanis will be prohibited from utilizing their lands and properties for agricultural in all governorates of the Sultanate.
Article 3 says that any person who loses Omani nationality or who has withdrawn shall dispose of the land assigned to him by the state and located in the places as listed in the Article (1) of this law to an Omani person by any means of disposal, which is determined by law to transfer the property.
This transaction need to be done within two years from the date of the loss of Omani nationality or its withdrawal, may be extended for one year only after the approval of the Minister of Housing in coordination with the competent authorities.
Articles 4 and 5 stipulates that if the concerned person (one who loses Omani nationality) does act during the stipulated period the court would sell these land and real estate to Omani persons at the request of the Minister of Housing under the Law, provided that the sale price is returned to the owner.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
