Oman Jails 59 Expatriate Workers Over Christmas Riot

A court in the Sultanate of Oman has sentenced 59 expatriate workers to prison after finding them guilty of offenses linked to rioting, vandalism, and actions that threatened public order, authorities confirmed.

Investigations revealed that the incident took place on the evening of December 25, 2025, in the Sa’al area of the Wilayat of Bidbid. Reports received by the Royal Oman Police indicated that a group of workers had gathered near a company-owned residential facility, where property damage was allegedly taking place and others were being encouraged to join the assembly.

When law enforcement officers arrived, they found a large crowd at the scene, along with visible damage to company facilities. The gathering also disrupted the operation of company transport buses, some of which sustained damage during the incident. Police ordered those involved to disperse and cease the vandalism, but after non-compliance, multiple arrests were carried out.

Following the completion of legal procedures, the suspects were referred to the competent court. On January 8, 2026, the Court of First Instance convicted 59 individuals on multiple misdemeanor charges, including inciting unlawful gatherings, participating in assemblies that threatened public security, damaging property, and misusing information technology to spread content harmful to public order.

The court imposed separate prison sentences for each offense, ranging from three months to one year, resulting in extended jail terms for the convicted individuals. In addition to imprisonment, the court ordered the confiscation of mobile phones used in committing the offenses and imposed permanent deportation on all those convicted.

Meanwhile, 23 other defendants linked to the same case were cleared of all charges after the court found insufficient evidence against them.

The ruling underscores Oman's strict enforcement of public order, property protection, and cybercrime laws, particularly in cases involving large-scale disturbances and damage to property.