Muscat: Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tarik has issued two Royal decrees, including one amending the Shura Council Members Election Law to establish regulations and procedures for women’s candidacy in seats designated for women from each governorate.
According to the Oman Observer, Royal Decree No. 98/2026 introduces a new Article (4-bis) to the Shura Council Members Election Law, promulgated by Royal Decree No. 54/2023.
The new provision states that the minister will issue a decision specifying the regulations and procedures for a woman from each governorate to stand as a candidate for membership in the seats designated for women.
The decree also stipulates that any provisions contradicting the new amendment will be cancelled. It will be published in the Official Gazette and take effect the day after publication.
In a separate move, Royal Decree No. 97/2026 amends certain provisions of the Council of Oman’s Law, originally promulgated by Royal Decree No. 7/2021.
The decree states that the attached amendments will be enforced, while any provisions that conflict with them will be cancelled. It will also take effect the day after its publication in the Official Gazette.
Oman considers lifting restrictions on arrival of Pakistani skilled workers
Earlier, Oman agreed to consider a proposal by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif to ease restrictions on the arrival of skilled workers from Punjab, with Omani officials acknowledging the country’s continued demand for skilled labour.
Maryam Nawaz held a meeting with Oman’s Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources Saud bin Hamoud bin Ahmed Al Habsi in Muscat, where the two sides discussed expanding cooperation in agriculture, fisheries, livestock, aquaculture and other sectors.
The Omani minister said the demand for skilled workers in Oman remained high and Pakistani youth possessed exceptional skills and talent. He assured the chief minister that skilled workers from Punjab would be welcomed in sectors including construction, aquaculture, agriculture and other fields.
He also said Oman would share information with Punjab about the demand for skilled workers in different sectors.
The chief minister had proposed measures to lift restrictions on the arrival of skilled workers from Punjab in Oman. The Omani minister agreed to consider the proposal, according to a handout issued by the Punjab government on Tuesday.
