Muscat – His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik has issued Royal Decree No. 111/2025, establishing a comprehensive regulatory framework for mandatory premarital medical examinations within Oman. This landmark legislation, underscores the nation’s commitment to public health and the long-term stability of the Omani family unit.
The first article of the decree stipulates that every Omani citizen intending to marry must undergo a medical examination, regardless of whether the prospective spouse is citizen or non citizen. This requirement applies to all marriage contracts intended for execution both within the Sultanate and abroad, with specific procedures to be defined by the Minister of Health.
Under the second article, healthcare institutions are mandated to conduct these examinations according to rigorous scientific and technical standards. These facilities are responsible for notifying both parties of their respective results and providing necessary medical counselling based on those findings. Crucially, the decree strictly prohibits the disclosure of any examination results to third parties to ensure the privacy and dignity of the individuals involved.
The third and fourth articles detail the administrative requirements for legalising a union. Healthcare providers must issue a formal certificate confirming that the required medical tests have been completed. It is now a legal obligation for marriage officiants to refuse the conclusion of any marriage contract unless both parties present this valid medical certificate.
To ensure compliance with these new public health measures, the fifth article outlines specific legal penalties for any violations of the decree. Offenders may face imprisonment for a duration ranging from ten days to six months, or a fine between 100 and 1,000 Omani Rials, or both. These measures reflect the seriousness with which the state views the integration of health screenings into the marriage process.
As per the final articles, this decree supersedes all previous legislation that contradicts its provisions. The law is scheduled for publication in the Official Gazette and comes into immediate effect on January 1, 2026, marking a new era for social and preventative healthcare in Oman.
