Political Asylum in Oman: New Conditions and Regulations Announced

According to Royal Decree No. 21/2025, the details of which were published on Sunday, March 2, the Omani government has established new regulations for political asylum. This decree falls within the framework of the new competencies of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which include 43 new responsibilities, among them the regulation of political asylum policies.

Political Asylum Laws and Regulations in Oman

Political refugees are the only category of asylum seekers explicitly mentioned in Omani laws. Unlike many countries, Oman is not a signatory to the 1951 United Nations Convention on Refugee Status and has its own regulations for granting asylum and processing asylum applications.

Legal Framework

Two primary laws govern political asylum in Oman:

• Foreigners’ Residence Law (Issued by Royal Decree No. 16/95 and its amendments)
• Extradition Law (Issued by Royal Decree No. 4/2000 and its amendments)

Eligibility Criteria for Political Asylum in Oman

Foreign nationals may apply for political asylum and residency in Oman if they are facing political persecution. Who qualifies as an asylum seeker? An individual who, due to factors driving asylum requests, has fled their home country and requires international protection.

Ways to Apply

• If the applicant is being persecuted by a non-Omani authority for political reasons.
• If this persecution poses a threat to their life or freedom.
• If the reasons for seeking asylum do not contradict Omani public policy or Islamic beliefs.

Political asylum remains valid as long as threats against the asylum seeker persist.

Role of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Regulating Asylum Cases

According to the Foreigners’ Residence Law, the Omani Minister of Foreign Affairs is responsible for regulating matters related to asylum seekers and political residents. However, it remains unclear whether a formal written framework for implementing these regulations has been developed. The newly issued decree is expected to introduce detailed executive guidelines in this regard.

Granting Political Asylum by Royal Decree

Decisions regarding granting political asylum or residency for political reasons are made exclusively by Royal Decree. If approved, the applicant will receive a special identification card containing personal details and any obligations imposed on them.

Prohibition of Political Activities for Asylum Holders

Under the Foreigners’ Residence Law, individuals granted political asylum are prohibited from engaging in any political activities while residing in Oman. Furthermore, under specific conditions, asylum status may be revoked, and the individual may be expelled from Oman. In such cases, the individual will not be deported to a country where their life or freedom would be at risk.

Ban on Extradition of Political Refugees

According to the Extradition Law, political refugees cannot be extradited to a requesting country if they were granted asylum in Oman before the extradition request and continue to hold that status.

Oman’s Commitment to International Human Rights Standards

Under Royal Decree No. 16/2023, Oman joined the Arab Charter on Human Rights. Article 28 of this charter states:

“Every individual has the right to seek political asylum in another country to escape persecution. This right does not apply to individuals prosecuted for criminal offenses. Political refugees shall not be extradited.”

These regulations clearly demonstrate Oman’s commitment to protecting political refugees and upholding human rights in accordance with international standards.