CHAPTER TWO. The Principles Guiding the Policy of the State
Article 10
The Political Principles:
- Preserving the independence and sovereignty of the State and safeguarding its entity, security, stability and defending it against all aggression.
Reinforcing ties of cooperation and reaffirming friendly relations with all states and nations on the basis of mutual respect, common interest, non-interference in the internal affairs and adherence to the international and regional charters and treaties and the generally recognized principles of international law conducive to the advancement of peace and security among states and nations. Laying suitable foundations for consolidating the pillars of genuine Shura emanating from the heritage of the Nation, its values and Islamic Sharia, taking pride in its history and adopting the useful contemporary means and instruments. Establishing a sound administrative system that guarantees justice, tranquillity and equality for the Citizens and ensures respect for the public order and the preservation of the supreme interests of the State.
Article 11
The Economic Principles
- The national economy is based on justice and the principles of free economy. Its essence is the constructive and fruitful cooperation between public and private activity. Its objective is the achievement of economic and social development in order to increase production and raise the standard of living of the Citizens according to the general plan of the State and within the limits of the Law.
Freedom of economic activity is guaranteed within the limits of the Law, the public interest, and in a manner that ensures the integrity of the national economy. The State encourages savings and supervises the regulation of credit. All natural wealth and resources thereof are the property of the State, which shall preserve and utilise them in the best manner taking into consideration the requirements of the security of the State and the interests of the national economy. No concession or investment of any public resource of the Country shall be granted except by virtue of a law, for a limited period of time, and in a manner that preserves national interests. Public property is inviolable, the State shall protect it, and Citizens and residents shall preserve it. Private ownership is safeguarded and no one shall be prevented from disposing of his property except within the limits of the Law. No property shall be expropriated except for the public interest in cases stipulated by the Law and in the manner specified therein, provided that the person dispossessed shall be fairly compensated. Inheritance is a right governed by Islamic Sharia. General confiscation of property is prohibited. The penalty of specific confiscation shall only be imposed by virtue of a judicial decision and in such circumstances as prescribed in the Law. Taxes and general charges are based on justice and the development of the national economy. Imposition, amendment, and abolition of public taxes, shall only be by virtue of a law and no one is exempted from paying all taxes or part thereof except in the circumstances prescribed in the Law. It is not permissible to introduce a new tax, fee or any right of any type whatsoever with retrospective effect.
Article 12
The Social Principles
- Justice, equality, and equal opportunities between Omanis are pillars of the Society guaranteed by the State.
Collaboration and compassion are intimate bonds amongst the Citizens. The reinforcement of the national unity is a duty. The State shall prevent anything that might lead to division, discord or disruption of the national unity. The family is the basis of the society and the Law regulates the means for protecting it, preserving its legitimate entity, strengthening its ties and values, safeguarding its members and providing suitable conditions to develop their potential and capabilities. The State guarantees aid for the Citizen and his family in cases of emergency, sickness, disability, and old age according to the social security scheme. The State shall work for the solidarity of the Society in bearing the burdens resulting from national disasters and catastrophes. The State is responsible for public health and the means of prevention and treatment of diseases and epidemics. The State endeavours to provide healthcare for every Citizen and encourages the establishment of private hospitals, polyclinics and medical institutions to be under its supervision and in accordance with regulations determined by the Law. The State also works for the conservation of the environment, its protection, and the prevention of pollution. The State enacts laws for the protection of the employee and the employer and regulates the relationship between them. Every Citizen has the right to engage in the work of his choice within the limits of the Law. It is not permissible to impose any compulsory work on anyone except by virtue of a law, for rendering a public service, and for a fair remuneration. Public employment is a national service entrusted to those who carry it out. The State employees, while carrying out their work, shall pursue the public interest and service of the Society. Citizens are considered equal in taking up public employment in accordance with the provisions stipulated by the Law.
Article 13
The Cultural Principles
- Education is a cornerstone for the progress of the Society which the State fosters and endeavours to disseminate and make accessible to all.
Education aims to raise and develop the general cultural standard, promote scientific thought, kindle the spirit of research, respond to the requirements of economic and social plans, and build a generation that is physically and morally strong, which takes pride in its Nation, Country, and heritage and preserves its achievements. The State shall provide public education, work to combat illiteracy, and encourage the establishment of private schools and institutes under its supervision in accordance with the provisions of the Law. The State shall foster and preserve the national heritage, encourage the sciences, arts, literature, scientific research and assist in their dissemination.
Article 14
The Security Principles
- Peace is the objective of the State, and the safety of the Nation is a duty incumbent on every Citizen. The Defence Council shall undertake the consideration of the matters related to preserving the safety of the Sultanate and the defence thereof.
Only the State establishes the armed forces, public security authorities and any other forces. All these forces belong to the Nation and their mission is to protect the State, ensure the safety of its territories, and guarantee the security and tranquillity of the Citizens. It is not permissible for any authority or group to establish military or paramilitary formations. The Law shall regulate the military service, general or partial mobilization, and the rights, duties, and rules of discipline of the armed forces, public security authorities, and any other forces the State decides to establish.
