Every day, 10 divorce cases are registered in Oman, according to data released by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI). The number of documents of marriage increased by 3.6 per cent in 2021 compared to 2020. The total certificates of divorce registered in 2021 amounted to 3,837 certificates, an increase of 12 per cent against those registered in 2020.
A total of 995 divorce certificates were issued by the Notary Public Departments last year in the Governorate of Muscat alone.
Dr Mohammed al Zadjali, president of Oman Lawyers Association and a member of the Majlis Ash’shura, shed light on the problem.
Under Article 98 of the Personal Status Law, in case of psychological or physical illness, each spouse is given a request for divorce for the reason that makes it impossible for the continuation of married life and there is no hope of recovery.
The law also permits divorce for non-payment of dowry under Article 100 of the same law. Divorce is allowed under Article 101 because of discord and damage, so each of the spouses has to request a divorce.
The law grants the wife the right to request for lack of support under Article 109 if her husband refuses to support her or due to absence and imprisonment. Article 110 states that the wife has the right to request for divorce due to her husband’s absence or by ‘khula’, which is by mutual consent between the spouses.
There are a number of social reasons for the alarming rise in divorces:
1. Interference by the parents
2. Excessive dowry and financial expenses
3. The marriage usually happens before maturity
4. Incompatibility in age; the man is old and the woman is young
5. Exorbitant costs, customs and habits
6. Domestic violence
7. Both parties’ ignorance and neglect of their responsibilities
“There is no lock without a key and there are some solutions to these issues that the partners might find on their way,” says Dr Zadjali.
Solutions
1. Know your marriage
Men and women must attend premarital counselling sessions and workshops, clarifying the mutual obligations, responsibilities, rights and duties in family life. The Ministry of Social Development’s Department of Family Guidance and Counselling for those who are about to get married and even those who are married. Married couples should approach the counsellors before filing for divorce.
2. Health check-up
Men and women should undergo a health examination before marriage.
3. Keep expenses down
More than half of Omani men earn, monthly, under RO 700. It’s impossible for them to finance their wedding. They take bank or personal loans which eventually push themselves into a debt quagmire within the early years of a marriage. “The majority of divorces occur due to underlying financial issues and although dowry may not be the direct cause of a divorce, it acts as a catalyst for fuelling financial tension and personal disputes,” an advocate said.
According to the Director of the Family Guidance and Counselling Department, instead of spending lavishly on extravagant weddings, families of bride and groom should focus on setting up home and related expenses after marriage.
4. Non-interference
Parents should not force their sons and daughters to get married.
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