Muscat: The Applied Science College in Nizwa has banned students from wearing coloured abayas within the campus.
The college has also banned students from wearing form-fitting abayas saying that such costumes attract negative attention and violate the institution’s dress code.
“No decorations are allowed in the abaya,” said a statement issued by the deanship of the college that circulated on social media platforms on Wednesday.
The college has also asked female students to wear head scarves and to ensure that their wrist watches don’t catch the attention of others.
Women have also been asked not to apply excessive make-up.
The deanship of the college explained that the new regulations were framed because the college was keen to preserve Islamic values and principles and promote the unique cultural identity of Oman as reflected in its customs and traditions.
Any violation of the new regulations will be viewed seriously, the college said, adding that students could be issued warnings or even expelled.
Discussions about the new regulations went viral on social media platforms, with some supporting the decision and others vehemently opposing the move as an oppressive measure.
