Planning to Marry in Oman? This Mistake Could Cost You Jail or a Fine

MUSCAT, Jul 5: Oman's Ministry of Health (MoH) has reminded couples to register their marriage contracts before their premarital medical examination certificates expire, warning that violations could result in fines, imprisonment, or both under the country's new regulations.

In a public advisory, the ministry urged couples to comply with the provisions of Royal Decree No. 111/2025, which governs premarital medical examinations and the documentation required before marriage.

The ministry stressed that marriage contracts must be completed while both parties' premarital medical certificates remain valid, urging couples to avoid delays that could lead to legal consequences.

Under Article 4 of the decree, marriage officiants are prohibited from conducting or registering a marriage unless the bride and groom present valid premarital medical examination certificates.

Violations of the law carry penalties under Article 5, including imprisonment ranging from 10 days to six months, fines between OMR100 and OMR1,000, or both.

The Ministry of Health called on all those involved in marriage procedures to comply with the regulations to ensure that marriages are conducted in accordance with the law.

The reminder comes amid a significant rise in marriages across the Sultanate. Official figures show that 23,117 marriage certificates were issued in 2025, up from 17,896 in 2024 and 14,716 in 2023, reflecting steady growth over the past three years.

Divorces also increased slightly, with 4,208 divorce certificates issued in 2025, compared with 4,122 in 2024 and 3,828 in 2023.

Among the governorates, Muscat recorded the highest number of marriages with 6,651 marriage certificates issued in 2025, along with 1,220 divorce certificates. It was followed by North Al Batinah with 3,753 marriages, South Al Batinah with 2,683, Dhofar with 2,462, and Al Dakhiliyah with 2,425.