In a landmark decision, His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of Oman has issued Royal Decree No. 29/2025, granting Omani citizenship to Maria Viktor Anatolyevich Argentova, a Russian national, while allowing her to retain her Russian nationality. This unprecedented move marks the first instance of dual nationality being permitted under Oman’s newly enacted citizenship law. The decision signals a significant shift in the Sultanate’s approach to nationality policies, balancing national integrity with evolving global norms.
Background: Oman’s New Nationality Law
The decision follows the implementation of the updated Omani Nationality Law under Royal Decree No. 17/2025, which came into effect on February 2, 2025. The new law generally prohibits dual nationality unless explicitly granted by a Royal Decree, based on the recommendation of the Minister of the Interior. This legislative change reflects Oman’s evolving approach to nationality policies, aligning with modern international standards while safeguarding national identity and security.
Previously, Oman had a strict nationality law that required individuals who sought Omani citizenship to renounce any other nationality they held. The policy was in place to ensure that citizens’ loyalties remained undivided and committed to the Sultanate. However, global trends and economic considerations have influenced Oman to reconsider this policy in specific cases.
Under the new framework, granting dual citizenship remains an exceptional privilege rather than a common practice. The law allows for dual nationality only when explicitly authorized by the Sultan, ensuring that cases are carefully reviewed and approved based on strategic national interests.
Provisions of the New Law
The new Omani nationality law has introduced several pathways to acquiring citizenship, ensuring a regulated process that benefits both the state and the applicants. These pathways include citizenship by birth, marriage to an Omani citizen, and naturalization through legal residence in the country.
By Birth
Children born to at least one Omani parent, whether inside or outside Oman, are eligible for citizenship. This provision ensures that nationality is passed on through blood ties, preserving the Omani lineage and cultural heritage. However, children born to foreign parents within Oman’s borders do not automatically qualify for citizenship, reinforcing the nation’s strict control over nationality policies.
By Marriage
Foreign spouses of Omani citizens can apply for citizenship after meeting specific conditions. The law reduces the required period of continuous lawful residence for a foreign national married to an Omani woman from 20 years to 10 years, with an allowable absence of up to 90 days per year. Similarly, foreign men married to Omani women can apply for citizenship after demonstrating commitment to residing in Oman and integrating into Omani society. The process involves thorough background checks and adherence to cultural expectations, ensuring that citizenship is granted only to those who genuinely embrace Omani values.
By Naturalization
Foreigners can apply for naturalization if they meet stringent criteria, including being an adult proficient in Arabic reading and writing, having a continuous legal residence of at least 20 years (or 10 years if married to an Omani woman), displaying good conduct, and having a legitimate means of livelihood. The requirement of Arabic proficiency underscores Oman’s commitment to preserving its linguistic and cultural heritage, ensuring that new citizens can integrate effectively into society.
Additionally, naturalization applicants must demonstrate their contributions to Omani society, whether through professional skills, business investments, or other means that benefit the nation. This selective approach ensures that citizenship is granted to individuals who can actively contribute to Oman’s economic and social development.
Loss of Citizenship
The law also outlines conditions under which Omani nationality may be revoked. These measures are in place to protect national security and uphold Omani values.
Acquiring Foreign Nationality Without Approval
Omani nationals who acquire a foreign nationality in violation of the law will automatically lose their Omani citizenship. This provision is intended to prevent divided loyalties and maintain the integrity of Omani nationality. However, those who seek dual citizenship through legal channels and obtain explicit approval from the Sultanate can retain both nationalities.
Marriage-Related Provisions
A foreigner who acquires Omani citizenship through marriage to an Omani woman will lose it if the marriage ends in divorce or desertion within five years. Similarly, a foreign woman who gains Omani citizenship through marriage to an Omani man will lose it if she divorces and subsequently marries a non-Omani. These provisions are designed to ensure that citizenship is granted based on genuine commitment rather than for opportunistic reasons.
Actions Against State Interests
Individuals may be stripped of their nationality if they insult the Sultan or the Sultanate, join organizations promoting ideologies harmful to Oman’s interests, or work for foreign governments in roles conflicting with the country’s security and policies. This safeguard ensures that national security and sovereignty remain uncompromised.
Significance of the Royal Decree
The granting of dual citizenship to Maria Viktor Anatolyevich Argentova signifies a notable shift in Oman’s nationality policies. Previously, Oman maintained a strict stance on dual citizenship, generally requiring citizens to renounce any foreign nationality. This exceptional case highlights the Sultanate’s willingness to adapt to modern international standards, particularly in recognizing the benefits of dual citizenship in certain strategic cases.
Maria Viktor Anatolyevich Argentova’s case is believed to have been approved due to her unique contributions to Oman’s economic, scientific, or cultural sectors. While specific details of her background have not been disclosed, experts speculate that the decision was influenced by her significant role in fostering Omani-Russian relations or contributing to national development projects.
This development sets a precedent for future considerations of dual nationality within the Sultanate. While Oman remains cautious about widespread dual citizenship, this move signals a more flexible and pragmatic approach, particularly in cases where it aligns with national interests.
Future Implications
The decision to grant dual nationality under exceptional circumstances opens the door for similar cases in the future. It suggests that Oman is gradually adapting its citizenship policies to reflect global realities while maintaining strict controls to protect its national identity.
This shift could also enhance Oman’s attractiveness as a destination for skilled expatriates, investors, and professionals who wish to contribute to the country’s development while maintaining ties to their home nations. The ability to retain dual nationality may encourage long-term commitments from talented individuals who can positively impact Omani society and its economic growth.
However, the government has made it clear that dual citizenship will remain an exception rather than the norm. Each case will be assessed individually, ensuring that national security and cultural preservation remain top priorities. The stringent requirements for acquiring and retaining Omani citizenship reflect the country’s dedication to upholding its traditions and values while embracing necessary modernization.
Conclusion
Oman’s decision to grant dual citizenship in this instance reflects a balance between upholding national integrity and adapting to global norms. As the first case under the new law, it sets a precedent for future considerations of dual nationality within the Sultanate. The move is a significant step in Oman’s evolving nationality policies, ensuring that citizenship remains a privilege granted in alignment with national interests.
This development also reinforces Oman’s growing role on the international stage, showcasing its willingness to adapt to global best practices while preserving its sovereignty and cultural heritage. Moving forward, Oman is likely to continue refining its nationality laws to strike a balance between modernization and tradition, ensuring that its policies serve the best interests of the nation and its people.
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