Oman Implements Digital Transformation Measures
Oman introduced several new measures on August 1, 2026, affecting public transport, digital government services, and financial matters. Mwasalat city buses in Muscat and Salalah now require electronic payment methods, while the Tax Authority's online portal uses a new digital identity application. Thousands of Indian expatriates may be impacted by changes to banking rules.
Key points
- Mwasalat city buses in Muscat and Salalah will no longer accept cash from August 1, 2026, and passengers must use approved electronic payment methods.
- The Tax Authority's electronic portal now requires users to authenticate through the THEQA digital identity application.
- Changes to India's Banking Laws (Amendment) Act, 2025, may affect thousands of Indian expatriates in Oman, including unclaimed dividends and unredeemed shares.
- The new measures aim to reduce boarding times, improve operational efficiency, and advance Oman's digital transformation agenda.
Oman has implemented several new measures on August 1, 2026, aimed at promoting digital transformation and improving public services. The changes affect public transport, digital government services, and financial matters, and may impact thousands of expatriates in the country.
The most notable change is the introduction of electronic payment methods for Mwasalat city buses in Muscat and Salalah. Passengers will no longer be able to pay with cash, and must instead use approved electronic payment methods, such as bank cards and supported mobile wallets. This move is aimed at reducing boarding times and improving operational efficiency.
Another significant change is the introduction of a new digital identity application for the Tax Authority's online portal. Users must now authenticate through the THEQA digital identity application, which is designed to strengthen the security of online tax services.
Thousands of Indian expatriates in Oman may also be impacted by changes to banking rules introduced under India's Banking Laws (Amendment) Act, 2025. The new rules require unclaimed dividends, matured fixed deposits, and unredeemed shares to be transferred to the Investor Education and Protection Fund after a prescribed period.
The new measures are part of Oman's efforts to advance its digital transformation agenda and improve public services. While the changes may cause some inconvenience to expatriates, they are expected to bring long-term benefits to the country's economy and citizens.
Sources
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