Oman New Law: Medical test now mandatory before marriage in Oman, marriage will not take place without certificate

The Government of Oman has taken a major decision to ensure the health and stability of the family. Now pre-marital medical checkup has been made mandatory for couples getting married here. This rule came into effect after the Royal Decree of Sultan Haitham bin Tarik in order to prevent future health problems.

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New terms and conditions

Royal Decree No. 111/2025 was issued on 31 December 2025, becoming effective on 1 January 2026. It is now mandatory for all Omanis to undergo a medical test before marriage. This rule will apply even if the other partner getting married is non-Omani or the marriage is taking place in some other place.

• Validity of Certificate: The certificate received after medical examination will be valid only for 3 months.
• Marriage contract: Marriage officers will no longer sign marriage contracts without a medical certificate.
• Process of investigation: Couples will have to visit government-recognized public or private health centers to provide their medical history and undergo a blood test.

Which diseases will be tested?

The main purpose of this process is to identify genetic and infectious diseases. Mainly the following diseases will be checked during the test:

• Blood diseases: Hereditary disorders such as sickle cell anemia and thalassemia.
• Infectious diseases: Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV/AIDS and Syphilis.

After the test, the doctor will provide health counseling to the couple and explain the results in detail. The digital copy of the certificate will be sent directly to the notary public platform of the Supreme Judicial Council to facilitate verification of the marriage contract.

Health experts’ opinion

Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health HE Dr. Saeed bin Hareb al Lamki pointed out that the decree provides a regulatory framework to improve public health. He clarified that medical checkup is mandatory, but if any hereditary condition is found, it will not bar marriage but will help couples take an informed decision.

Consultant of Central Public Health Laboratory Dr. Intisar bint Nasser Al Shukri informed that diseases like sickle cell and thalassemia are widespread in Oman. If both partners are carriers of these diseases, there is a 25% risk of the child being affected. He said that approximately 55 million Oman Rials are spent annually on the treatment of these diseases.

Senior Hematologist at Ibara Hospital Dr. Musleh bin Mohammed Al-Muslehi emphasized that this test will play an important role in preventing infectious diseases spreading between husband and wife and from mother to child.