COVID-19 Announcements by the Omani Government

Last updated: 23 July 2020

The below table sets out the decisions issued by the Supreme Committee and other branches of the Omani Government addressing the COVID-19 pandemic. The table will be updated on a monthly basis to include all key developments.

Updates	Topic
(1)	General
(2)	Private Sector
(3)	Public Sector
(4)	Annual General Meetings

COVID-19 Updates: General Developments (1)
Date	Updates
17 March 2021	The Supreme Committee tasked with tackling developments resulting from COVID-19 has decided to: 1. Impose a ban on all direct flights from the United Kingdom, except cargo flights, and prohibit entry of passengers arriving from the UK.  The ban takes effect from 19 March 2021 and continues until further notice.  Omani citizens are exempt from the ban. 2. Downsize to 70% of the number of employees at the workplace in units of the State’s Administrative Apparatus with effect 21 March 2021 – 1 April 2021.  3. Extend the closure of all commercial activities in all governorates until 3 April 2021. 4. Permit the use of the beach to practice sports for individuals only; the ban on gatherings still continues.
12 March 2021	The Supreme Committee tasked with tackling developments resulting from COVID-19 has decided to include home delivery services from restaurants and in relation to foodstuffs to the list of exempted activities.
25 February 2021	The Supreme Committee tasked with tackling developments resulting from COVID-19 has decided to extend the closure of all beaches and public parks until further notice.  Also, the Committee emphasised the ban on all gatherings.
22 February 2021	The Supreme Committee tasked with tackling developments resulting from COVID-19 has decided to suspend incoming flights from 10 countries, consisting of:  Sudan, Lebanon, South Africa, Brazil, Nigeria, Tanzania, Ghana, Guinea, Sierra Leone and Ethiopia.
07 February 2021	The Supreme Committee tasked with tackling developments resulting from COVID-19 has decided to extend the closure of the land border until further notice.
24 January 2021	The Supreme Committee tasked with tackling developments resulting from COVID-19 has decided to extend the closure of the land border for a period of one week, until 1 February 2021.
17 January 2021	The Royal Opera House shall reopen from 17 January 2021. Further, the Supreme Committee tasked with tackling developments resulting from COVID-19 has decided to close the land border of Oman for a period of one week (extendable), from 18 January 2021. The Ministry of Health has begun the second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccination Campaign.
12 January 2021	The Supreme Committee tasked with tackling developments resulting from COVID-19 has reached the decision to gradually return to the System of Blended Learning from 17 January 2021 for students in schools.
19 November 2020	Primary Courts across different governorates in Oman have issued verdicts against offenders of the decisions of the COVID-19 Supreme Committee. Each offender shall be facing a fine of OMR 1,000 and six months’ imprisonment. Expatriate offenders shall be deported after serving their six-month prison sentence.
15 November 2020	The Supreme Committee tasked with tackling developments resulting from COVID-19 has reached the decision to re-open 700 mosques across Oman. In relation to mosques the capacity of which is 400 persons, it must be limited to only 30%.
10 November 2020	The Ministry of Labour has announced that expat workers in the Sultanate of Oman who wish to go back to their home country are permitted to do so as of 15 November 2020. Provided that expat workers leave Oman between 15 November 2020 – 31 December 2020, the Ministry of Labour shall provide exemptions from fees/fines registered against licences in regards to practising professions.
01 November 2020	The Supreme Committee tasked with tackling developments resulting from COVID-19 has stated that individuals arriving into Oman from abroad must undergo a PCR test prior to their arrival, and the test must be taken 96 hours prior to arrival. The same test shall be applicable upon arrival in Oman, as well as a seven-day quarantine. On the eighth day, the individual must undergo another PCR test.
28 October 2020	The Sultanate of Oman has reserved over one million doses of an expected vaccine in relation to COVID-19, upon confirming the safe use of the vaccine on a global level.
21 October 2020	The Supreme Committee tasked with tackling developments resulting from COVID-19 has reaffirmed that the school year in Oman shall begin from 1 November 2020. Additionally, the Committee supports and endorses the Blended Learning system in regards to education, which combines online studies.
14 October 2020	The Tax Authority has announced that it shall provide for an extension of the incentives that have been set for the private sector until the end of 2020, in order to help alleviate the economic impacts of the pandemic on the Omani economy.
09 October 2020	The Supreme Committee tasked with tackling developments resulting from COVID-19 has made four new key decisions as a result of the progression of COVID-19 in Oman: A lockdown and prohibition of movement shall take place from 8 pm-5 am on 11 October 2020 until 24 October 2020 in all public places and commercial outlets. All beach access has been banned until further notice. Some commercial activities will be facing re-closure; the details have not been announced as of yet. The names and photos of those who have been found in violation of the instructed precautionary measures shall be posted in the media.
05 October 2020	The old Muscat Airport has been transformed to a COVID-19 Field Hospital as of 5 October 2020. The aim behind the establishment of the COVID-19 Field Hospital in the Sultanate is to relieve the pressures that have been placed on hospitals across the Sultanate as a result of the progress of COVID-19.
28 September 2020	The Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs has concluded that it will reach a decision regarding the re-opening of mosques and areas of worship by mid-November 2020, depending on the indications of the COVID-19 Supreme Committee.
27 September 2020	The Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology has decided to resume public transport services in Oman starting from 27 September 2020. Service will resume in Muscat from 4 October 2020.
22 September 2020	The COVID-19 Supreme Committee has decided to lift the lockdown of the Governorate of Dhofar, to take effect from 1 October 2020. Consequently, the Committee urges both individuals and establishments to abide by the preventive measures in order to ensure the safety of all. Also, the Committee now permits all individuals holding a valid residency card to return to Oman, provided that they quarantine for a period of 14 days upon return and undergo the PCR laboratory test upon arrival, to take effect from 1 October 2020.
20 September 2020	Oman Air, the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman, shall return to scheduled services starting from 1 October 2020, with scheduled flights, including both international and domestic flights.
26 August 2020	The Supreme Committee tasked with tackling developments resulting from COVID-19 has permitted further commercial activities, with the requirement that commercial outlets comply with the guidelines issued.
18 August 2020	The Supreme Committee tasked with tackling developments resulting from COVID-19 has permitted further commercial activities, with the requirement that commercial outlets comply with the guidelines issued.
07 August 2020	The Supreme Committee tasked with tackling developments resulting from COVID-19 has lifted the lockdown between governorates in Oman.
30 June 2020	The Supreme Committee tasked with tackling developments resulting from COVID-19 has decided to extend the lockdown in Wilayat Masirah and the Dhofar Governorate until 17 July 2020. Furthermore, the package of incentives supporting private establishments has been extended until the end of September 2020.
24 June 2020	The Royal Oman Police (ROP) has announced that it will be reopening its traffic, passport and residence services starting from 1 July 2020.
23 June 2020	Pursuant to a Royal Order by His Majesty Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik, interest-free emergency loans shall be made available in order to assist businesses that have been impacted by COVID‑19.
14 June 2020	Pursuant to a Royal Order by His Majesty Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik, a committee has been formed addressing the developments resulting from the coronavirus (COVID‑19) pandemic and its impact (the Coronavirus Economic Impacts Rectification Committee).
10 June 2020	The COVID‑19 Supreme Committee has opened more commercial and industrial activities.
09 June 2020	The COVID‑19 Supreme Committee held a meeting and came to the decision to implement a lockdown on Al Jabal Al Akhdhar, Jabal Shams, Wilayat of Masirah and Dhofar Governorate. Also, any assemblies, gatherings or tourism activities shall be prohibited from 13 June 2020 until 3 July 2020.
01 June 2020	Muscat Municipality shall waive fines in relation to the non-registration of tenancy contracts, for both residential and commercial properties.  Also, owners of commercial outlets are exempt from paying registration fees for municipal licenses.  Owners of restaurants and cafes are exempt from the payment of the municipality fee.
31 May 2020	The Capital Market Authority (CMA) has announced an initiative in relation to the provision of medical tests and treatment for expatriate individuals with insurance who have tested positive for COVID‑19.  Circular 579/2020 details the instructions that insurance companies are required to comply with: Coverage of costs of medical tests and treatment of insured persons who have been infected with COVID‑19 to the extent of the annual benefit limits of their policies. The adoption of treatment guidelines and a price list that has been approved by the Ministry of Health in relation to the coverage of costs of medical tests and treatments for persons infected with COVID‑19. For insured persons currently receiving treatment in hospitals, the insurance companies shall bear the costs of medical tests and treatments, which shall be enforced from 31 May 2020. Insurance companies are also required to bear the costs of medical services of insured persons who are showing symptoms of COVID‑19.
27 May 2020	The COVID‑19 Supreme Committee held a meeting on 27 May 2020 and issued new decisions.  The Committee urges establishments in the private and public sectors to set out policies and regulations that are aimed at protecting the employees at the establishments, beneficiaries and customers.  No less than 50% of employees shall attend the workplace, which will be implemented from 31 May 2020. Furthermore, the Committee gives discretion to heads of units and Ministers to set precautionary measures in order to combat the spread of COVID‑19 at the workplace in order to continue the flow and provision of services (applicable to the public sector).  The Muscat lockdown shall be lifted as of 29 May 2020.
21 May 2020	ROP has issued Decision No. 151/2020 in relation to the criteria and controls in dealing with those found in violation of the decisions issued by the COVID-19 Supreme Committee. The decision states that ROP is responsible for  monitoring the extent in which individuals and public and private sector establishments are in compliance with the decisions issued by the supreme committee. ROP are permitted to stop those that they suspect may be in violation of the decisions and to take the procedure they see necessary with the violators.
18 May 2020	The COVID-19 Supreme Committee has issued the following decisions:           All Eid Al Fitr gatherings are banned. ROP has been entrusted to monitor the commitment, the public sector and the private sector. ROP has the authority to impose fines on those who are held in violation of these decisions.  More commercial activities have been reopened. Everyone is obliged to wear a face masks in commercial outlets, public spaces and all workplaces in both the public and private sector and public transport.  The Ministry of Finance issued Circular No. 16/2020 in relation to the reduction of ministerial and governmental budgets. This circular comes as a result of the financial measures addressing the slump in oil prices by decreasing spending in order to reduce budget deficit.
13 May 2020	The Ministry of Finance issued Circular No. 16/2020 in relation to the reduction of ministerial and governmental budgets. This circular comes as a result of the financial measures addressing the slump in oil prices by decreasing spending in order to reduce budget deficit.
07 May 2020	The COVID-19 Supreme Committee has announced the end of the school year of 2019-2020.
05 May 2020	The COVID-19 Supreme Committee has stated that the lockdown in Muscat has been extended until 29 May 2020, 10 pm.
04 May 2020	The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) permits the transfer of ownership of commercial registries to be implemented via Sanad offices, advocates offices and auditing offices. The application is submitted online through the InvestEasy Portal, once the application is reviewed and approved by an MOCI employee, the buyer and seller must visit Knowledge Oasis, 4th Building or departments that are affiliated to the ministry in order to complete the documentation of the application.
28 April 2020	The COVID-19 Supreme Committee has stated that some commercial activities will be reopened. The list includes:          Vehicle repair workshops.           Fishing boat repair workshops.       Car parts sale shops.           Outlets selling spare parts of fishing equipment.           Outlets selling electronic and electrical appliances and computers.           Outlets repairing home electrical appliances/equipment.           Satellite transmission equipment outlets.           Car rental offices.       Equipment and machinery rent offices.           Sale in outlets specialized in stationary and office supplies.           Printing presses.           Sanad offices.           Quarries and stone crushers.           Money exchange.       A limit of two customers is to be applied by the following commercial activities:
22 April 2020	The Central Bank of Oman (CBO) issued a circular addressing all banks and finance leasing companies to defer loan instalments by the low-income Omani workforce. This shall be effective for a period of three months from the date the loan is postponed and this will be implemented from May 2020 until further notice. The repayment of the loans shall be with no interest or any additional fees; also, if seen necessary, the entities must reschedule the loans.
20 April 2020	The COVID-19 Supreme Committee held that Ramadhan gatherings are prohibited, and also emphasised that Taraweeh shall not take place at the mosques. Also, the lockdown on Muscat was extended until 10 am on 8 May 2020.
11 April 2020	The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) has instructed commercial centres to adhere to the necessary preventive measures to combat the spread of COVID-19. MOCI further stated that there must be a distance of two metres at all counters and that all surfaces and trolleys must be sanitised. Legal action shall be taken if found in violation.
8 April 2020	The Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) requested that landlords and the owners of commercial centres take into consideration the impact on their tenants during the ongoing spread of COVID-19. OCCI suggested that this takes place through exemptions, postponement of payments or reduction in rent. Pursuant to the decisions of the COVID-19 Supreme Committee, Muscat shall be in lockdown from 10 am on 10 April 2020 until 10 am on 22 April 2020. Also, control checkpoints have been put in place to ensure compliance with the lockdown in Muscat.
2 April 2020	The COVID-19 Supreme Committee has stated that Muttrah shall be in lockdown from 2 April 2020.
31 March 2020	After the Royal Oman Police suspended renewal services, the Capital Market Authority (CMA) has requested that insurance companies provide coverage for vehicles with expired licenses until the end of the spread of COVID-19. Also, CMA has instructed that insurance is provided in case of traffic accidents, despite license expiration. The Tax Institution undertook several procedures in order to mitigate the financial position of tax-governed entities during the spread of COVID-19. These include: Disclosures and tax may be submitted/paid within a period not exceeding three months. Tax may be paid in instalments. The additional 1% of tax in the Tax Law will be waived. In case of objections against modifications by the taxpayer, the objection must take place within a period of 45 days from the date of notification. An additional grace period may be requested by the taxpayer for the submission of documents/clarification.
29 March 2020	During a meeting of the COVID-19 Supreme Committee, it was held that the suspension of all domestic and international flights shall take effect from 29 March 2020 (with the exception of air cargo and Musandam).
24 March 2020	The Ministry of Manpower (MoM) urged companies/establishments not to request that employees who are quarantined go to the workplace as legal action may be taken against them.
23 March 2020	The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority announced that it will allow the use of Skype, Voice Over Internet, Google Meet and Zoom in the Sultanate of Oman.
19 March 2020	The Financial Affairs and Energy Resources Council approved the following: Budget cuts of 5% by ministries, the military and security units, which must be adhered to by the entities. Revision of general spending articles in order to further minimise expenditure.
18 March 2020	The COVID-19 Supreme Committee held a meeting and took the following decisions, to be effective from 18 March 2020: Banning entry to Oman through land, air and sea to Omani nationals only. Omanis are currently suspended from leaving Oman. Closure of all mosques (except for the Athaan). Closure of all non-Muslim worship areas. Suspension of all gatherings, conferences and activities. Closure of all tourist sites. Prohibition of assembling in public areas (including beaches, wadis, mountains, water springs, waterfalls and parks). Closure of all shops in malls (except for those supplying food, pharmacies and optics). Closure of traditional souq/markets (Muttrah, Nizwa, Al Rustaq, Sinaw). Suspension of all weekly fairs/markets. Hotels, restaurants and cafes are prohibited from serving food with the exception of take-aways. Closure of all sports facilities, sports halls, sports courts, health clubs, barbers and salons for both men and women. CBO issued incentive measures that include accepting deferment requests regarding loan instalments/profit/interest, particularly SMEs, for a period of six months.
17 March 2020	The Competition Protection and Monopoly Prevention Centre has advised all parties against the exploitation of the current global pandemic. The Centre has warned parties that The Law on Protection of Competition and Prevention of Monopoly shall be applied against offenders that are found to be increasing the prices of products that are high in demand as a means of exploitation. Legal action shall be taken through liaising with the relevant regulatory departments.
15 March 2020	The Public Authority for Consumer Protection (PACP) has reaffirmed that it is monitoring and regulating the markets all over Oman. PACP has formed teams in order to regulate the potential increase in prices by suppliers and to ensure the availability of supplies with standard prices. PACP stated that legal action shall be taken against those that are exploiting the spread of the coronavirus. The COVID-19 Supreme Committee held a meeting and took the following decisions, to be effective from 17 March 2020: All non-Omanis are banned from entering Oman through land, sea and air, except GCC citizens. Quarantine shall be imposed on all passengers arriving in Oman through land, sea or air (including Omanis). Closure of all parks and play areas. Suspension of Friday prayers. Prohibition of all social gatherings (including weddings and funerals).
12 March 2020	The COVID-19 Supreme Committee was formed by orders from His Majesty and held its first meeting on 12 March 2020. During the meeting, the COVID-19 Supreme Committee took several decisions, to be applied for a period of 30 days: Stop the issuance of tourist visas. Suspension of all sports activities. Prohibition of all external student activities. Suspension of the entry of all cruise liners in Omani ports. Court sessions are limited to the concerned parties only. Banning of shisha at all outlets. The Committee recommends that travel abroad is limited to cases of emergency. Preventive measures must be implemented at gatherings and places of worship. The Committee recommends not going to the cinema frequently.

COVID-19 Updates: Private Sector (2)
Date	Updates
10 May 2020	The Ministry of Manpower has urged the private sector to request their employees to go for a screening for the Coronavirus in the case that any employee is displaying symptoms.
15 April 2020	A package of incentives has been announced in order to provide support to the private sector to enhance its ability to adjust to the conditions imposed as a result of COVID-19. Private sector establishments are not permitted to terminate the Omani workforce and must maintain their stability. The private sector is required to reconstruct their systems to enable them to function during the spread of the coronavirus. Use of technology is urged as it allows employees to work remotely. Safety measures must be taken to ensure that there is enough space between the employees at the workplace. Employees that are quarantined are entitled to their salaries, as long as they provide a certificate for the end of their quarantine. Private sector establishments that have shut down as a result of COVID-19 may offer advanced annual paid leave for the workers. Companies in the private sector that have been affected by COVID-19 may negotiate a reduction in the salaries of employees for a period of three months in exchange for reduced working hours; this is applicable after an employee’s outstanding paid leave has been exhausted. For companies in the private sector that have shut down as a result of COVID-19, the company is entitled to grant annual paid leave to the workers, to be implemented from May 2020, if seen necessary. For the Omani workforce facing a reduction in their salaries, their bank and financing loans shall be postponed, the loans are to be paid back after rescheduling, and will be paid back with no interest or additional fees; also, their water and electricity bills shall be postponed until June 2020. Non-Omani Workers In relation to the non-Omani workforce, the private sector may terminate contracts with non-Omani workers if the company has been affected by COVID-19 and provided that the company adheres to all its payments due to the employees prior to their departure from Oman. If the establishment has shut down, the employee’s annual leave may be paid in full advance. Incentives Offered by the Government to the Private Sector: There will be a reduction in the renewal fees of labour cards from OMR 301 to OMR 201 for expatriate workers. Fees and delayed fines shall be exempt. Extension of MoM expat licenses. Temporary approval and provision of preliminary work permits to expats. In case of an emergency, secondment of workers from the private sector for another entity may take place. MOCI Incentives for the Private Sector: MOCI is offering exemptions for the payment of fees for the renewal of Commercial Registrations from 15 April 2020 until late June 2020. MOCI has also stated that public sector companies shall abide by their contracts with the private sector in the field of services. SMEs that have been affected by COVID-19 may pay water and electricity bills in instalments or postpone payments for a period of three months. Exemptions shall be provided for the renewal fees of licenses and fines for a three-month period for governmental units. Exemptions and flexibility measures shall be offered to government projects that have been completed. The Public Authority for Social Insurance shall postpone subscription fees for the months of March, April and May. These may be paid in instalments. Water and Power Sector: For establishments in the private sector that have been affected by COVID-19, they may postpone the payment for water and electricity for a period of three months. SMEs may pay in instalments. Workers facing a reduction in their salaries shall be given National Fuel Subsidy Cards.
1 April 2020	MoM has stated that establishments in the private sector are required to take the steps they see necessary in order to decrease the number of employees at the workplace to the minimum, without impacting business performance.
31 March 2020	The private sector establishments are required to decrease the number of employees to a minimum and should also put in place necessary preventative measures. These measures take effect from 1 April 2020.
24 March 2020	MoM has requested that companies in the private sector inform their employees to not go out during holidays and weekends and to stay home. The employees must be told in all applicable languages to avoid any language barriers. MoM stressed that all labour gatherings shall face legal action.

COVID-19 Updates: Public Sector (3)
Date	Updates
02 June 2020	The Ministry of Finance has issued Financial Circular 17/2020.  The circular applies to the governmental sector and it states that the status of retirement shall be applied to all employees who are over 60 years of age. An extension of employment shall not be permitted unless deemed necessary within limited parameters.
31 March 2020	The COVID-19 Supreme Committee held that for those working in the public sector, employees are not required to go to the office and should work remotely except for employees whose nature of works requires their physical presence. The heads of governmental departments/units are required to ensure that standard procedures are not impacted by the downsizing of workforce and must also put in place necessary preventive measures. The above is enforced from 1 April 2020.
23 March 2020	The COVID-19 Supreme Committee has taken a decision to limit the number of employees in the public sector to only 30%, enough to provide their services and for the remaining employees to work remotely.

COVID-19 Updates: Annual General Meetings (4)
Date	Updates
05 May 2020	MOCI has issued rules on convening general meetings for closed joint stock companies (SAOC) via Ministerial Decision 65/2020.
26 April 2020	The Muscat Clearing Depository (MCD) issued Circular 2/20200F detailing the user manual for electronic AGM-EGM management services for public joint stock companies and investment funds; EAGM.
20 April 2020	The CMA has announced that annual general meetings of SAOGs and investment funds shall be resumed through an electronic portal of MCD. The rules include the following: Attendance and voting shall take place through an electronic portal. MCD shall administer the electronic portal and will send the agenda to the shareholders. Board of director nomination forms shall be submitted five days before the date of the meeting. For an elected board member, the company shall be required to provide his CV through the Muscat Securities Market (MSM) website three days before the date of the meeting. Shareholders are entitled to vote through the electronic portal three days before the date of the meeting. All voting shall remain confidential until the meeting. Authorisation of the shareholder may be cancelled only 24 hours prior to starting the meeting. Quorum: this will be counted when the shareholder activates the general meeting’s page when the meeting begins. Also, those who have voted during the three days prior to the date of the meeting shall be included in the quorum. A time period not exceeding five minutes for voting on each item, except for the items in relation to the election of board directors which shall be given a time period not exceeding ten minutes. Under the current circumstances, the publication of the agenda shall take place ten days prior to the meeting. If there is a reduction in a shareholder’s balance, his voting prior to the meeting shall be void. He may vote again. If a proposal in the agenda is changed, the voting of the shareholder shall remain valid unless the shareholder changes his vote on the day of the meeting.
18 March 2020	CMA issued Circular 3/2020 addressing all public joint stock companies and investment funds to suspend AGMs until further notice. The CMA also issued Circular 4/2020 approving the dividends set out in the agendas to shareholders.
17 March 2020	MOCI extended the time period for Annual General Meetings to take place for Closed Joint Stock Companies (SAOC) until June 2020. In addition, MOCI has announced the suspension of all exhibitions, seminars and conferences until June 2020.
16 March 2020	CMA extended the time period for convening AGMs until 30 April 2020 rather than 30 March 2020. For companies that wish to postpone the convening of the AGM, this must be disclosed on the MSM website. CMA instructs all public joint stock companies, legal advisors and auditors to adhere to the preventative measures in order to prevent the spread of the coronavirus during AGMs. Circular 1/2020 includes a list of the preventive measures that must be taken by the companies that still wish to convene their AGMs, including limiting the attendees of the meetings to stakeholders and shareholders only; providing sanitisers; avoiding handshaking during the meetings; and limiting the time of the meeting. Also, shareholders have been urged to only ask questions that are directly related to the matters discussed at the meeting.