Oman – End of Life Issues

What end of life care options are available in Oman, and how does the system work?

Oman operates a universal public healthcare system under the administration of the Ministry of Health, which extends care to Omani citizens and, to varying extents, to lawfully resident expatriates. End of life care is delivered primarily through hospital wards and general medical departments rather than through purpose-built dedicated facilities. Specialist palliative services remain scarce and are largely confined to the capital, Muscat.

Palliative care provision in Oman is at an early stage of development, though several forward-looking initiatives are underway. According to the Worldwide Hospice Palliative Care Alliance (WHPCA), most countries across the Middle East, Oman included, are still engaged in the foundational work of building palliative care capacity. This stands in contrast to nations such as the United Kingdom, where specialist palliative teams are routinely embedded across NHS hospitals, independent hospices, and community care settings.

Over the past decade, the Oman Cancer Association — working in partnership with the Middle Eastern Cancer Consortium and the Oncology Nursing Society — has driven a palliative care initiative aimed at embedding such care more firmly within the wider healthcare framework. These efforts have centred on hospital-based pain and symptom control and on raising the competence of healthcare professionals in this field. In practice, patients requiring end of life support are typically managed within hospital environments, with family members assuming a prominent role in day-to-day caregiving.

Across much of the Arab world, palliative care remains underdeveloped due to social stigma, insufficient awareness, and structural obstacles including restricted opioid availability and inadequate professional training. Expatriates in Oman dealing with serious illness are advised to plan early, engage with their treating physician about their specific needs, and ensure they carry comprehensive private health insurance.

What is palliative care in Oman, and who is eligible for it?

Palliative care constitutes a vital component of healthcare, aiming to enhance the quality of life for patients with terminal conditions and their loved ones through the prevention and alleviation of suffering, alongside psychological and spiritual support. Within Oman, this form of care is most often delivered through oncology and general medicine departments at government hospitals, and access is ordinarily initiated through a referral from the patient’s treating physician.

In principle, foundational palliative care should be accessible to all individuals and extend to smaller hospitals, home care environments, and clinics throughout Oman. In reality, however, services are more mature in urban centres such as Muscat and Salalah. Patients in rural or remote parts of the country may encounter considerably fewer options for specialist pain relief or palliative support.

Healthcare decision-making in Oman is shaped significantly by Islamic teaching, family-centred traditions, and prevailing societal expectations, which often balance a patient’s clinical needs with spiritual readiness for death. Expatriates from other cultural or religious backgrounds may find that attitudes toward discussing prognosis and end of life preferences differ markedly from what they are used to at home. Open communication with medical staff is advisable, and bringing a trusted family member or advocate to consultations is strongly encouraged.

Both Omani nationals and lawfully resident expatriates may access government hospital services. The extent of palliative care available to any given individual will depend on their diagnosis, the hospital they use, and the specific services that facility provides. Private hospitals in Muscat typically offer more extensive pain management and supportive care options.

Are there hospices in Oman, and how do you access them?

Hospice care in Oman is oriented toward patients with life-limiting conditions, with the goal of improving their wellbeing and managing distressing symptoms. It encompasses medical oversight, pain control, and emotional support for both patients and those close to them. That said, standalone hospice facilities comparable to those found in countries such as Ireland or Australia are not broadly established within the Sultanate.

Various forms of hospice provision exist in Oman, including inpatient hospice care within a dedicated setting for patients requiring round-the-clock medical attention and support. In practice, inpatient end of life support is most commonly situated within oncology or palliative care units at larger hospitals rather than in independent hospice buildings.

The Oman Cancer Association provides a range of services for cancer patients and their families, including hospice-type support. Al Nahdha Hospital in Muscat delivers palliative care to patients with life-limiting diagnoses. Expatriates should request a referral from their treating physician to whichever palliative or supportive care service is available at their hospital of care.

Access to hospice-style services is generally facilitated through a hospital referral or, for cancer patients, through the Oman Cancer Association. Expats are encouraged to discuss available options with their doctor as early as possible and to verify with their private health insurer whether inpatient palliative or hospice care is included in their policy.

Is palliative or hospice care covered by public health insurance or the national health system in Oman, or does it need to be funded privately?

Oman’s public healthcare system is available to Omani nationals and, in many instances, to registered expatriate residents accessing government hospitals. However, expatriates in Oman are generally expected to hold private health insurance — commonly arranged through their employer — and most do not benefit from the same subsidised government healthcare entitlements as citizens.

Palliative care administered within a government hospital as part of an ongoing inpatient stay may fall under the public system for those entitled to use it. However, dedicated palliative care units, specialist hospice beds, and community-based palliative services are not guaranteed under government funding and may simply not be offered at all hospitals. Expatriates should review their insurance policy specifically for coverage of palliative, terminal, and hospice care — these categories are often listed separately and may require advance authorisation from the insurer.

When a working expatriate dies in Oman, it is customary for their employer or sponsor to assume responsibility for costs arising from the death; under Omani regulations, the employer is expected to furnish their insurance details. For end of life care expenses incurred before death, employer-provided health insurance remains the primary financial resource for most expatriates. No local charitable organisations exist in Oman to subsidise funeral costs, and support for end of life care expenses through voluntary or philanthropic channels is similarly unavailable.

What legal documents should expats have in place before the end of life in Oman — such as a living will, advance directive, power of attorney, or healthcare proxy — and how do these work?

Oman does not currently have a formally codified legal framework for advance directives or living wills of the kind established in, for example, England and Wales under the Mental Capacity Act 2005, or in Germany through the Patientenverfügung system. Oman’s healthcare and legal systems are heavily guided by Islamic principles, which place considerable emphasis on active treatment and the preservation of life wherever possible.

Despite the absence of specific statutory provisions for advance directives, expatriates are nonetheless strongly encouraged to set out their healthcare preferences in writing. A written statement of wishes, signed and ideally witnessed or notarised, can help doctors and family members understand the treatments a patient would or would not wish to receive. Such a document should be discussed directly with the treating physician so that it can be incorporated into the patient’s medical file.

A General Power of Attorney (GPA) is a recognised legal instrument under Omani law and can be drawn up through a notary or legal office. This document enables a trusted individual to manage financial and administrative affairs on your behalf should you lose capacity. For medical decisions specifically, clinical teams will typically look to close family members in the absence of any formal healthcare proxy document.

Expatriates are advised to prepare the following before any serious illness arises: a written statement of healthcare preferences covering resuscitation, life-sustaining treatment, and pain management; a General Power of Attorney encompassing both financial and personal matters; a current will; and a record of emergency contacts, insurance details, and key account information that a trusted person can access when needed.

Are documents such as advance directives or powers of attorney made in another country legally recognised in Oman?

Foreign legal documents — including powers of attorney and advance directives — are not automatically valid in Oman. For a foreign power of attorney to be acted upon locally, it must ordinarily undergo a process of authentication and legalisation. This typically requires the document to be notarised in the country where it was prepared, attested by that country’s ministry of foreign affairs, and then authenticated by the Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Muscat.

Foreign documents must be attested by the relevant embassies or consulates and authenticated by the Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs before they acquire legal standing within Oman. This process can be lengthy, so expatriates holding powers of attorney or advance directives from their home country should initiate the authentication procedure well before any medical emergency arises.

In practice, Omani hospitals confronted with a critically ill patient are unlikely to defer urgent decisions pending the arrival of formally legalised paperwork. Medical staff will typically consult whoever is at the bedside, usually close family. For this reason, it is essential that family members or trusted friends in Oman are fully briefed on your wishes, and that an Arabic-language version of any key document is drawn up with the assistance of a qualified Omani lawyer.

What are the laws around euthanasia or assisted dying in Oman?

Euthanasia and assisted dying are prohibited in Oman. As an Islamic state, Oman’s legal framework is deeply rooted in Sharia principles, under which the deliberate termination of a human life — including one’s own — is considered forbidden. There is no legislation in Oman permitting physician-assisted dying, voluntary euthanasia, or any form of assisted suicide.

Islamic teaching, family-centred care traditions, and widely held societal values exert a powerful influence over healthcare decision-making, frequently balancing a patient’s clinical care with spiritual preparation for death. Within this context, end of life care focuses on the alleviation of suffering and the preservation of dignity rather than on hastening death. The withdrawal of treatment that is considered clinically futile may be contemplated by medical teams in appropriate circumstances, but this remains a medical decision rather than one directed by the patient within the Omani system.

Expatriates from countries where some form of assisted dying is lawfully available — such as the Netherlands, Belgium, Canada, or certain Australian states — should be aware that such options will not exist if they are receiving care in Oman. Those with terminal diagnoses are strongly advised to plan ahead, including carefully considering whether to return to their home country for final care.

What are the local customs, traditions, and religious practices around death and dying in Oman?

The overwhelming majority of Oman’s population is Muslim, and Islamic tradition shapes virtually every aspect of death and burial practice in the country. When a Muslim dies, family members traditionally offer prayers and prepare the body for burial as swiftly as possible. For Omani citizens, both local custom and law require that remains be interred within 24 hours of death.

Islamic ritual washing of the body, known as ghusl, is performed by family members or designated community volunteers of the same sex as the deceased. The body is subsequently wrapped in a white shroud called a kafan before funeral prayers — Salat al-Janazah — are conducted at a mosque. Burial takes place in a Muslim cemetery with the body oriented toward Mecca. Simple, largely unmarked graves are the norm, reflecting Islamic teachings on equality in death.

It is customary for death announcements to be published in local newspapers, informing the community of the passing and conveying details of funeral arrangements. The family of the deceased customarily receives visitors offering condolences in the days following the death. A mourning period known as the azza is observed, during which relatives and friends assemble at the family home. Bringing food to the bereaved family is a widely observed expression of solidarity and care.

These customs and practices may vary depending on regional traditions and the family’s specific cultural and religious background. Non-Muslim expatriates are not bound by Islamic burial requirements, but they should bear in mind that the wider cultural environment will reflect these traditions. Funeral dress in Oman is typically formal and conservative, with traditional Omani attire being the standard. Non-Muslim mourners attending a condolence gathering should dress modestly and with appropriate respect.

What must you do when someone dies in Oman? Who do you notify, how quickly, and in what order?

When a death occurs in Oman, a sequence of steps must be followed involving both medical and police authorities. For foreign nationals, the embassy of the deceased’s home country must also be contacted without delay. The steps below should be followed in order:

1. Notify the police (if death occurs at home): If the person died at home, the police must be contacted. Officers will attend the premises to certify the death. If death occurred in a hospital, hospital staff will handle this notification.
2. Obtain a Death Notification from the hospital: The sponsor of the deceased must collect a Death Notification from the hospital or clinic where the death was registered. This document must include all relevant details — full name, date and time of death, passport number, and cause of death.
3. Notify the home country embassy or consulate: The embassy will issue a No Objection Certificate (NOC) authorising the release of the body from the hospital once the required documents have been submitted. This step is a legal prerequisite before the body can be moved, buried, cremated, or repatriated.
4. Obtain a No Objection Letter from the local police station: For an expatriate deceased, no objection letters are required both from the embassy in Muscat and from the police station with jurisdiction over the area where the death occurred.
5. Register the death with the Royal Oman Police: The sponsor of the deceased must notify the nearest police station, following which the Royal Oman Police Civil Registration Department will issue a Death Certificate on the basis of the Death Notification.
6. Notify authorities within the legal timeframe: All deaths occurring in Oman — whether of Omani nationals or expatriates — must be registered within two weeks of the date of death.
7. Contact the employer or sponsor: The local sponsor or employer is legally obliged to pay for or arrange payment for transportation and body handlers. They should be informed as early as possible to enable them to fulfil these obligations.
8. Contact the insurer: Where the deceased held an insurance policy, the insurance company should be notified as promptly as possible. The insurer will typically appoint a funeral director in Oman and, where applicable, in the country of repatriation.
9. Arrange the funeral or repatriation: Once all documentation has been completed, arrangements for burial, cremation, or repatriation may proceed in keeping with the family’s wishes and Omani regulations.

How is a death officially registered in Oman, and what documents are needed?

The National Records System (NRS), administered by the Royal Oman Police (ROP), is one of the country’s principal civil registry systems. The General Directorate of Civil Status (DGCS) is the body responsible for its management. Deaths must be registered at the civil status office of the Royal Oman Police. The DGCS functions as a civil registration authority analogous to the General Register Office in the United Kingdom or the vital records offices found in many other countries.

The Central Birth and Death Registry (CBDR) system provides a nationwide central database ensuring that all deaths occurring at or reported to healthcare facilities — whether Ministry of Health, other government, or private — are captured within a single registry. This digital infrastructure links hospital notifications directly to the ROP civil registration system.

To register a death and obtain the official death certificate, known as “Shahadat Wafaat,” the following documents are typically required:

• Death Notification issued by the hospital or clinic where death occurred
• Original passport of the deceased and copies
• Resident card (for expatriates)
• No Objection Letter from the relevant embassy (for foreign nationals)
• No Objection Letter from the local police station

There is a single type of Omani death certificate. The next of kin will receive two copies — one in Arabic and one in English — and the certificate is always issued in laminated form. The fee for new issuance is OMR 2.000; an additional copy costs OMR 1.000; and a replacement is OMR 5.000 (as of 2024). Payment is accepted by debit or credit card only.

Deaths must be registered within two weeks. Late registration, permissible up to one year after death, requires the approval of the Inspector General. Where a death has not been registered, the relevant hospital should be approached to issue a death notification, following which the DGCS can be contacted to proceed with registration and issuance of the certificate.

What happens if a foreign national dies in Oman — what are the specific steps for notifying their home country’s embassy or consulate, and what role does the consulate play?

The embassy or consulate of a deceased foreign national’s home country plays an indispensable role when a non-Omani dies in the Sultanate. The consulate must be contacted at the earliest opportunity — ideally within hours of the death — since their No Objection Certificate (NOC) is a legal requirement before the body may be released from the hospital, buried, cremated, or repatriated.

The embassy issues the NOC to authorise release of the body from the hospital. Upon receiving notification by email, WhatsApp, or fax, the embassy provides the NOC to the sponsor of the deceased. Contact procedures differ between embassies, so checking the relevant embassy’s website for the emergency consular number and specific documentation requirements for your nationality is essential.

Even where no assistance with funeral arrangements is required, the death of any foreign national — whether resident or visitor — should be formally reported to the appropriate embassy so that an official Report of Death Abroad may be issued. This document is needed to resolve legal and estate matters in the deceased’s home country.

For repatriation of human remains, documents must first be stamped by the Directorate of Medical Services, Royal Oman Police (ROP) before submission to the consular section. The consular section then issues an official certificate of death abroad and, where repatriation is intended, prepares multiple sets of a Consular Mortuary Certificate to accompany the remains.

Where the deceased held an insurance policy, the insurer may meet the costs of repatriating the body to the home country and assist with medical, legal, interpretation, and translation expenses. Families should contact the insurer in tandem with notifying the embassy, as insurers frequently maintain established working relationships with local funeral directors and repatriation specialists.

How are funerals typically arranged in Oman, and what are the usual options for burial or cremation?

Funerals in Oman customarily take place within a day of death and are generally modest gatherings attended by immediate family and close friends. For Muslim residents, this practice reflects Islamic religious obligations. For non-Muslim expatriates, the process is considerably different and typically requires the engagement of a funeral director to manage the documentation and practical logistics.

Employing a local funeral director is necessary to arrange burial or cremation in Oman. There are two authorised burial grounds for non-Muslims within the country. In Muscat, non-Muslims may be interred at the PDO Cemetery, which operates under the supervision of a local cemetery committee. In Salalah, the Protestant Church can assist with enquiries about burial of non-Muslim deceased at the non-Muslim cemetery in the region.

Muslim burials may take place at numerous sites across the Sultanate. For non-Muslims, the sole available location within the capital area is at Ras El Hamra, within the Petroleum Development of Oman (PDO) compound. Families wishing to arrange local burial for a loved one should contact the PDO Cemetery Committee directly for burial registration forms and guidance.

Cremation is available in Oman, though the facilities may not match the standard found in some other countries. Western-style cremation is offered exclusively in Sohar, while Hindu-style cremation is available in both Sohar and Salalah. Collection of ashes is possible following either type of cremation.

Islamic law prohibits cremation, but Omani civil law permits it. The Management of the Hindu Temple operates two cremation sites — one in Sohar, approximately 230 kilometres from Muscat, and one in Salalah. The crematorium follows Hindu rites but is prepared to extend its services to persons of other non-Hindu faiths upon application by the relevant embassy.

Oman does not permit exhumation once burial has taken place. This is an important consideration for families who are uncertain about their long-term intentions. In rare cases where death results from a contagious disease, Omani law may require cremation; in such circumstances, Khoula Hospital will assist with making the necessary arrangements.

What are the approximate costs of a funeral in Oman, and are there any state or insurance-based funds that can help cover them?

The cost of a funeral in Oman depends on whether the deceased is being buried locally, cremated, or repatriated, and on the particular services engaged. No standardised fee schedule from Omani funeral providers is publicly available, so costs should be confirmed directly with local funeral directors. As a general indication, local burial or cremation in Oman tends to be less expensive than full repatriation of remains.

For expatriates, the body may be held at one of the city’s mortuaries while arrangements are made to transport it abroad for burial, inter it locally, or arrange cremation in Sohar or Salalah. As a general rule, the deceased should be buried within seven days of embalming. A number of companies and individuals offer services covering documentation assistance, coffin provision, sealing, and transportation of remains to the airport or cremation site.

There are no local charitable organisations in Oman that can assist with funeral costs, nor is there any provision for donating a body to medical research. This means that all costs associated with a funeral must be borne by the family, the employer or sponsor, or through insurance coverage.

Where the deceased was living and working in Oman, the employer or sponsor customarily meets the costs arising from their death. Health or life insurance policies provided by employers in Oman frequently include some element of coverage for repatriation of remains or local funeral expenses — the policy wording should be reviewed carefully. If the deceased held an international health insurance policy at the time of their death, the insurer may be able to provide assistance with repatriating remains or organising a local burial or cremation.

What is the process for repatriating the remains of a foreign national from Oman to another country?

Repatriation is a multi-stage process that ordinarily requires several days to complete, depending on how promptly the required documentation can be gathered. It involves coordinating between the hospital, the Royal Oman Police, the relevant embassy, a local funeral director, and the airline. Engaging an experienced local funeral director at the earliest possible stage is strongly advisable.

Before repatriating human remains, all documents must be stamped by the Directorate of Medical Services, Royal Oman Police (ROP), prior to submission to the consular section. The principal documents required for repatriation are as follows:

• An original death certificate issued by the Directorate General of Civil Status (DGCS), Royal Oman Police
• A no objection letter from the deceased’s embassy authorising autopsy, embalming, repatriation, or cremation in Oman
• A Notification of Death issued by the hospital where the deceased died; a certificate confirming the absence of any quarantinable or infectious disease at time of death; a certificate regarding the contents of the coffin and the sealing of the container; and both the original and a copy of the deceased’s passport

International regulations stipulate that the body must be embalmed and transported in a zinc-lined coffin. The original and twelve copies of all documents, together with the deceased’s cancelled passport and the airway bill provided by the airline agent, should accompany the remains to the airport.

The local sponsor or employer is responsible for paying or arranging payment for transportation and body handling. Where no employer is involved — for instance, in the case of a retired expatriate or a tourist — these responsibilities fall to the next of kin. The average global cost of repatriating remains ranges between US$3,800 and US$7,800, though the actual figure can be considerably higher depending on the destination and the particular circumstances. Current costs should always be confirmed directly with your airline and repatriation service provider.

What happens to the estate of someone who dies in Oman — how does probate or estate administration work, and are there inheritance taxes?

Estate administration in Oman is governed by Omani law and, for Muslim nationals, by the Islamic rules of inheritance known as faraid. For non-Muslim expatriates, the situation is more complicated: Omani courts may apply local law to assets held within Oman regardless of the deceased’s nationality or the provisions of a will drawn up abroad.

There is no inheritance tax in Oman, which represents a meaningful difference from many other jurisdictions. There are equally no capital gains taxes on the transfer of inherited assets. Nevertheless, the process of releasing and transferring assets — particularly real estate, bank accounts, and vehicles — can be protracted and demands formal legal authority from an Omani court.

An expatriate holding assets in Oman — such as a bank account, property, or vehicle — is well advised to have a locally drafted will, known as a wasiya, prepared with the guidance of an Omani lawyer. This will need to be registered with the appropriate Omani authority to be enforceable. Settling the deceased’s estate will generally involve appointing an executor, clearing any outstanding debts, and distributing assets to the named beneficiaries.

Expatriates are strongly encouraged to consult a lawyer with expertise in Omani inheritance law, particularly where they hold significant assets in the country. Estate administration through the courts falls under the oversight of the Ministry of Justice. For assets held outside Oman — in the expatriate’s country of origin — the laws of that jurisdiction will apply, and a separate probate or estate process may need to be initiated there.

If an expat dies without a will in Oman, what happens to their assets under local intestacy laws?

Where a Muslim dies intestate in Oman, the estate is distributed in accordance with the Islamic rules of inheritance, faraid. Under this system, fixed proportional shares are allocated to defined relatives — spouse, children, parents, and siblings — according to a prescribed formula. Male heirs generally receive twice the share of female heirs in equivalent relationships, in keeping with traditional Islamic jurisprudence.

For non-Muslim expatriates who die without a will in Oman, the position is less straightforward. Omani courts may apply Islamic law to assets physically situated in Oman, even where the deceased was not Muslim. This can produce outcomes that diverge considerably from the intestacy rules of the expatriate’s home country — for example, an unmarried partner would have no entitlement under Islamic intestacy rules, in contrast to the position in countries such as Germany or France where cohabiting partners may enjoy certain protections.

Assets held in Oman — such as a local bank account — may be frozen upon death until released by a court order. This process can take weeks or months, particularly if family members are not present in the country. Holding a locally valid will is the most dependable way to ensure your wishes are honoured. If you hold assets in multiple countries, a lawyer can advise on whether a single international will or separate country-specific wills are the most appropriate approach.

It is also vital to maintain a comprehensive record of all assets held in Oman — bank accounts, property deeds, vehicle registrations, and employer end-of-service gratuity entitlements — and to ensure that at least one trusted individual outside Oman has access to this information. End-of-service gratuity payments owed by an Omani employer form part of the deceased’s estate and must be claimed through the appropriate legal channels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is private health insurance from another country accepted by hospitals in Oman for end of life care?

Many private hospitals in Oman will accept international private health insurance, but you must verify this directly with the hospital and your insurer before any admission takes place. Government hospitals principally serve those enrolled in the Omani public health system. Always carry your insurance documentation and policy number, and confirm whether your policy expressly covers terminal illness, palliative care, or hospice-level care, since these categories are sometimes excluded or subject to prior authorisation requirements.

Are documents in English legally valid in Oman, or do they need to be translated into Arabic?

The Omani death certificate is issued in two versions — one in Arabic and one in English. For other legal documents such as wills or powers of attorney, Arabic is the official language of Oman’s courts and legal system. Documents in foreign languages should be accompanied by a certified Arabic translation, and any document intended for use before an Omani court or government authority will generally need to be in Arabic or have an officially certified translation appended to it.

How long does the process of repatriating remains from Oman typically take?

The repatriation process in Oman typically takes between five and ten working days, though this can vary with the circumstances surrounding the death, the responsiveness of the embassy and police, and the availability of suitable flights. Where an autopsy is required — which may be directed by the Royal Oman Police in cases of sudden or unexplained death — this can extend the timeline further. Retaining an experienced local funeral director without delay is the most effective means of moving the process forward efficiently.

Does the employer in Oman have any legal obligation to cover death-related costs?

Where the deceased was living and working in Oman, it is customary for the employer or sponsor to shoulder the costs arising from the death, and under Omani regulations the employer is expected to furnish their insurance details. Oman’s Labour Law obliges employers of expatriate workers to cover certain expenses upon the death of an employee, including the repatriation of remains. The precise scope of this obligation can vary in practice, and families should seek legal advice if the employer fails to fulfil these duties.

What support is available to bereaved family members who remain in Oman after a death?

Structured bereavement counselling services are limited within Oman, though some private hospitals and international clinics in Muscat do offer psychological support. The Oman Cancer Association provides assistance to families of cancer patients. Expatriate community groups, religious communities, and international schools often maintain informal support networks. Many embassies can supply a list of counsellors or mental health professionals with experience in supporting their nationals. While no local charities exist in Oman to assist with funeral costs, community and faith-based organisations may be able to offer practical help to bereaved families.

Can a non-Muslim expat be buried in a Muslim cemetery in Oman?

Muslim burials may take place at many sites throughout the Sultanate, but for non-Muslims only one location is available in the capital area — at Ras El Hamra within the PDO compound. Islamic law does not permit non-Muslims to be buried in Muslim cemeteries. Non-Muslim expatriates of any faith who wish to be buried in Oman should make advance arrangements through the PDO Christian Cemetery Committee in Muscat or the non-Muslim cemetery in Salalah, well before any need for such arrangements arises.

What happens to a deceased expat’s residency visa and other immigration status after death?

Upon death, a foreign national’s residency permit (iqama) is automatically cancelled as part of the administrative procedure managed by the Royal Oman Police. The deceased’s passport is typically cancelled by the relevant embassy as part of the death registration and NOC process. Family members of the deceased who hold residency visas linked to that person’s sponsorship should seek urgent immigration advice, as their own lawful status in Oman may be affected. They should contact the Directorate General of Passports and Residence at the Royal Oman Police promptly.

Can a will made in another country be used to distribute assets held in Oman?

A will drawn up outside Oman is not automatically enforceable in Oman in respect of assets located there. For Omani assets, a locally prepared and registered will is substantially more reliable. That said, a foreign will may in some cases be placed before an Omani court as evidence of the deceased’s intentions, particularly for non-Muslim expatriates. It will generally need to be authenticated by the relevant embassy and the Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and accompanied by a certified Arabic translation. Consulting a qualified Omani lawyer is advisable to assess your specific circumstances and determine whether a local will should be prepared.