| Country rank | 47 | |
| Last year’s rank | 36 | |
| Region | Middle East | |
| Population | 5 324 000 | |
| Christians | 193 000 | |
| Main Religion | Islam |
47Oman
Omanis who convert to Christianity face pressure from their families and, more widely, from society to renounce their faith. They may be expelled from the family home, and in some cases lose their jobs. Disinheritance is common, and if married, they may struggle to see their children, finding themselves on the losing side of a custody battle.
Migrant workers who convert to Christianity typically experience the same pressure they would in their home countries as they often live within their own national or ethnic communities. This could mean relative freedom for some, but intense persecution for others.
Expatriate Christian communities are tolerated, but they do experience surveillance and restrictions. All Christian organisations must register themselves with the authorities, and their meetings are monitored to record any political statements and if any Omanis are attending.
Oman has fallen 11 places on the World Watch List – while there was a small decrease in the number of violent incidents reported against Christians, this fall is mostly due to persecution increasing in other countries.
Meet “Latifah”
“The converts are cut off from financial support of their family. Women are locked in their rooms, imprisoned in their homes. Mobile phones are confiscated by family members and their internet connection with their computers cut. Some are verbally or physically abused, beaten up.”Latifah, Arabian Peninsula.
Please pray
- That Omani society becomes more accepting of Christianity.
- For Open Doors partners working in the Arabian Peninsula. Pray that they would find new believers and provide them with the support they need.
- Thank God for the way in which He is revealing Himself to locals through dreams.
