Oman tightens Shura Council attendance rules, expands budget oversight

Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of Oman has enacted amendments to the Shura Council's attendance rules and expanded parliamentary oversight of state budgets and development plans. The Royal Decree No. 97 of 2026, issued on October 26, 2026, mandates that Shura Council members face expulsion for three consecutive missed meetings or five separate meetings within a year.

Members are also barred from exploiting parliamentary immunity for non-legislative purposes and may face criminal proceedings if immunity is abused. The revised law further prohibits Shura Council and State Council members from concurrently holding positions on the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry's board. New procedures have been established for filling vacant Shura Council seats, prioritizing the selection of the next eligible female candidate in each governorate who received the highest vote percentage.

Economic oversight has been strengthened, with draft development plans and the state budget now reviewed simultaneously by both the State Council and Shura Council. The Council will also have the power to submit recommendations to the government independently on economic challenges and development measures when deemed necessary for the public interest.

These amendments aim to ensure responsible conduct, prevent misuse of legislative powers, and enhance accountability in the legislative process.