In a move to improve access to justice and enhance the business environment, the Supreme Judiciary Council, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, has announced significant changes to court fees. These changes include fee reductions, cancellations, and the introduction of new fees in various sectors, including courts, public prosecution departments, and notary public services.
This initiative is part of the third phase of the government’s services pricing project. It aims to simplify procedures, improve service quality, and make litigation more accessible. The council revised a total of 25 fees. Among these, 14 were reduced, five were eliminated, and six new fees were introduced.
Dr. Majid bin Mubarak Al-Saeedi from the Supreme Judiciary Council explained that this review aligns with the Ministry of Finance’s goal to create a unified, transparent approach to government service fees. The goal is to strike a balance between cost, service quality, and competitiveness. Furthermore, this system aims to make it easier for citizens to access judicial services.
The revised system also includes the cancellation of several fees. These include fees for judicial enforcement orders, certificates of rulings, certificates of rehabilitation, notary public document authentications, and the notary public’s transportation for individuals unable to visit, such as patients and the elderly.
Additionally, a new “slice” system has been introduced. This system simplifies lawsuit fees by basing them on the financial value of the claim. The slice system streamlines fee calculation, making the process more accurate and transparent. It also reduces the burden of estimating lawsuit fees for judges, which accelerates the litigation process.
This overhaul in judicial fees significantly reduces costs, particularly benefiting small and medium-sized businesses. It reflects Oman’s commitment to improving its judiciary and enhancing the business environment. The initiative is designed to attract more investment, foster growth, and provide high-quality judicial services at a balanced cost.
These changes aim to enhance the efficiency of the judicial system and create a more favorable business climate in Oman.
