On 14 June  2016 Hafiz Mohammad Shaker, the son of prominent human rights defender Habiba Al Hanaei, will turn 18 years of age, which means he faces the possibility of being deported from the country according to information received by the Gulf Center for Human Rights (GCHR).

The  Interior Ministry of Oman recognised the marriage of Al-Hanaei to a German citizen based on the marriage permit (no 45 / T / 2/1033) on 14  June 1998. The marriage lasted until 2007.  The couple had one child Hafez who has spent all his  life in Oman, although he holds German citizenship. The current Omani laws do not protect Omani women married to foreigners as their children are not allowed to acquire Omani citizenship based on their mother’s citizenship. On 14 June 2016 Hafez will reach the age of majority and according to unjust Omani laws, he will not be allowed  to live in Oman and will be treated as foreigners in spite of the fact that his mother, is an Omani.

Hafiz has completed all his primary education in Oman and is very intelligent. However  despite receiving an average of 94.3%,  the Admission Center of the Ministry of Higher Education refused to register him so he cannot now undertake university studies.

The GCHR  urges the authorities in Oman to:
1. Grant Hafez Mohammad Shaker an Omani citizenship immediately due the fact that his mother, is an Omani citizen and he has spent his life in the country;
2. Ensure all human rights are guaranteed to Omani nationals, including the natural right to access to higher education and health services.