Oman’s Shura Council Concludes Review of Draft Law on Civil Society Institutions, Refers It to State Council

Muscat : Oman’s Shura Council has concluded its review of the draft law governing civil society institutions and referred it to the State Council for further consideration. The deliberation took place during the Council’s 11th regular session of the second annual sitting (2024–2025) of the 10th term (2023–2027), chaired by His Excellency Khalid bin Hilal Al Maawali, Speaker of the Shura Council.

During the session, His Excellency Mansour bin Zaher Al Hajri, Chairman of the Health and Social Committee, presented the committee’s detailed report on the draft legislation. The proposed law comprises 83 articles organized across six chapters, covering a broad range of topics including definitions, civil associations, civil institutions, social associations, volunteer work, and final provisions.

His Excellency Al Hajri noted that the draft law is a direct response to the evolving landscape of civil society work in the Sultanate of Oman. It seeks to provide a modern and adaptable legal framework capable of addressing current social and organizational challenges. The law also aims to empower civil society institutions to play a more effective role in national development while providing a structured and integrated approach to regulating volunteer teams.

Council members actively engaged in the discussion, offering insights and suggestions to enhance the clarity, practicality, and legal soundness of the draft law. Specific attention was given to provisions related to licensing, categorization, and governance of civil society entities, as well as the proposed penalties and enforcement mechanisms.

The session marked a significant step in shaping a robust legislative environment that supports civic engagement and the role of non-governmental institutions in Oman’s socio-economic development.