Oman · Legislation
Legislation and primary sources
Where to find the authoritative text of the law in Oman, and how to confirm it is still in force.
Sources of law, ranked
- The Basic Law of the State 1996
- As revised in 2021; Sharia is the basis of legislation.
- Royal decrees
- The instrument for all legislation; there is no independent legislative power.
- Civil Transactions Law 2013
- Codified obligations, contract and property on the Egyptian model.
- Sharia, Ibadi school
- Governs personal status, family and succession.
- Ministerial decisions
- Detailed regulation under enabling decrees.
The legislative process
Draft legislation is prepared by ministries and the Council of Ministers, may be referred to the Council of Oman for review, and takes effect on the Sultan's signature and publication in the Official Gazette. The Majlis al-Shura may propose legislation and question ministers, and its role was modestly strengthened after 2011, but it cannot enact or block a royal decree.
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