Starting 1 January 2026, marriage in Oman will not be legally registered without completing a premarital medical examination. Under Royal Decree No. 111/2025, issued by Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, premarital health screening becomes mandatory for all Omani citizens, even if one party is a non-Omani or if the marriage contract is concluded outside Oman.
This decision marks a major shift in Oman’s public health policy. A program that has existed on a voluntary basis since 1999 is now a formal legal prerequisite for marriage registration.
Purpose of the Premarital Medical Test in Oman
According to the Ministry of Health Oman, the primary objective of mandatory premarital testing is the early detection of conditions that may affect family stability and public health, including:
- Genetic blood disorders, such as sickle cell anemia and thalassemia
- High-risk infectious diseases, including Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV
A Key Clarification by the Omani Government
Omani authorities have emphasized that mandatory testing does not mean forced or prohibited marriage.
- Test results remain strictly confidential
- The final decision to proceed with marriage rests entirely with the couple
The policy is based on informed decision-making, not coercion—providing couples with medical awareness before a life-long commitment.
Why the Law Became Mandatory
Despite more than two decades of voluntary implementation, only 42% of couples underwent premarital testing in 2025, according to official statistics. This low participation rate raised serious concerns among health policymakers, prompting the move toward legal enforcement.
The broader goals include preventing:
- The birth of children with severe genetic disorders
- Long-term psychological and financial pressure on families
- Rising healthcare costs for the national health system
How the Premarital Testing Process Works
- Tests are conducted at government health centers and approved private medical facilities
- After testing and medical counseling, an official electronic certificate is issued
- The certificate is digitally linked to the marriage registration system
- Without this certificate, marriage registration will not be completed
- All medical data is fully confidential and not shared with third parties
Summary
With this regulation, Oman takes a preventive, health-focused approach to marriage and family formation—balancing individual freedom, public health protection, and long-term social sustainability. The 2026 mandate positions Oman among countries adopting proactive health screening policies aligned with modern public health standards.
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