Foreign lawyers to be barred from Omani courts

Oman will bar foreign lawyers from most of its courts this year and restrict hearings to nationals within plans to ease reliance on expatriates in most professions, the Gulf country’s press reported on Monday.

Justice Minister Mohammed bin Zaher Al Hanaei issued a decision allowing only Omani lawyers to represent clients at courts of first instance, they said.

“The decision will take effect at the end of this year and this means litigation will be confined only to Omani lawyers,” they said, quoting a government statement.

Officials said foreign lawyers could still work at legal offices in the country, which has been locked in plans to reduce reliance on expatriates and find jobs for its fast growing citizens.

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