Dear all,
I have made this page to serve all those e-mails and questions I have been getting on Marrying a Non-Omani. I hope this helps out many people, and I will do my best to update it when I receive new information. Here, I will list the Ministry of Interior’s requirements for marrying a non-Omani. Also, I will list links to all the posts I have written on Marriage.
Yours,
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First, I will state the Islamic laws that pertain this specific subject:
If you are a non-Omani and want to marry a:
Male: You have to be either Muslim, Christian, or a Jew.
If you are a non-Muslim, you need to accept the fact that your children will grow up to be Muslims. If the person you want to marry tells you otherwise, then believe me… he will change his mind after the baby is born. This does not mean the children are banned from attending any non-Muslim activities with the mother and her family. However, it depends on the parents’ agreement.
Female: You have to be a Muslim.
Here, I have seen Muslim females marry non-Muslim males. It really depends on the cultural background of the girl. If she is from a conservative family, then forget it. You have to be a Muslim. Usually, children follow their father’s religion, which is the main reason for this inflexibility for Muslim females.
Other than that, Islam does not care where you are from or what ancestry background you have. Islam, actually, encourages marriage from all different places. The other requirements for getting married in Islam are the regular: faithful, good manners, respectful, …etc. If you want to know more you can google it.
In reality, Islam is so easy when it comes to marriage from non-Arabs. Complications are usually from the laws and culture.
Second, I will state the Omani civil laws that pertain this specific subject:
1- That the parties should seek a marriage permit from the Interior Ministry and the conditions for approval are as follows:
a. There are medical or social conditions that require a marriage of a non-Omani.
b. The non-Omani who is seeking this permission should have the financial ability to marry and care for their spouse.
c. The Omani may not be married to an Omani female while seeking this permit, unless she is unable to meet her martial requirements.
2- A committee is formed to review the request. The committee will consist of:
a. Two people from the Interior Ministry, in which one is the head of the committee.
b. One person from the Ministry of Social Development.
c. One person from the Omani Royal Police.
The committee then sends a report to the Interior Minister to give the proper decision.
3- The following instances are exempt from the first and second law:
First, Omanis can marry non-Omani’s after permission from the Interior Minister in the following conditions:
a. If the non-Omani is from the Gulf countries.
b. If the non-Omani is the son of an Omani female that has lived in Oman for 18 years.
c. If the Omani female who is seeking the permit is divorced or widowed with children.
Second, the Interior Ministry can issue a permit for marrying non-Omanis in the following conditions:
a. If the person seeking marriage lives in borders of the country, and wants to marry someones from the neighboring country.
b. If the person seeking marriage is an Omani through naturalization.
4- Consequences for not following the proper procedure:
a. A fine that is no more than 2000 Omani Rials.
b. You cannot enter your spouse in the country.
c. You will not be employed.
Source: http://www.moj.gov.om/
Source: http://www.moi.gov.om/moi/marriagelaw.asp
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Links to Marriage Posts:
One of my friend get married a Turkish guy and the procedure was so difficult as i know.But at the end they got married and so happy.
Wish you the best.
Good Luck to you and wish you all the best.
Ameen to you Sis, I think you made the right decision. I started reading your blog just 2 days ago, and let me tell you that you are much better with a non-Omani! I guess that WE the new generation of educated, Knowledgeable, and self confident Omani girls want more in a relationship than the older generation settled for!
Omani men are brought up to be self-centred and kinda of selfish, the think that they are the greater gender.
I myself was in a relationship with a brit for 4 years and honestly although it did not work at the end, but I was extremely happy during that time, i felt heard, cared for, and most of all I felt that I am a real partner, and what I think and say did matter to him.
I wish you the best and may Allah bless you and grant you happiness
I am sorry that it did not work out for you! I had to push again and again till it did, and I am glad I tried.
and as you said, I feel like a real partner and despite many stereotypes, my fiance’s priority is his family.. not his friends at the maqha or the shesha!
I wish you can find that happiness again..
Hi Reality … had a quick question if you got time, how long does it take once u get the permission? I believe the applicant has to go through a minor medical check once the application approved?
How long does this step take? from getting the permission, booking a medical, appearing at the medical, report sent back to the ministry (who does this? the doctor or u have to take it back?), then the final “allowed to marry” certificate is issued? is that how it works?