How foreigners from African countries are treated in Oman

macfranc007 November 30, 2017 Nigeria News today & Breaking news ▷ Read Nigerian newspapers 24/7 Aanu Adegun

Oman has been described as one of the most peaceful countries in the middle east. However, visitors to the Muslim dominated country claimed foreigners from African countries are not treated well in the country.

Immigration law in Oman

The country has what has been described as sponsorship immigrant labor.

This immigrant labor laws tie employment to a specific family’s sponsorship or companies and as a result this, immigrants are exploited.

But if a foreigner wants to change jobs in Oman they need a release letter from their employer stating that they allowed an expat to seek employment with another company in the Sultanate.

It's important to stay on the good side of an employer as a person is generally not allowed to live in Oman if they are not employed.

Expat workers must have sponsorship, and that sponsorship ends when employment does. Expats will be required to obtain an alternative visa immediately or they will be staying in the country illegally.

A small country where black skin stands out

Wanaj says this of Oman:

Oman is a small country with about 5million population with close to half of that as immigrants (Indians, Philippinos etc). The southern part do have long history of relationship with Africa (Zanzibar). Most of them still have homes there and still go home for vacation.

Oman is like a desert land with just about 2 major cities. Muscat and Salala are the popular ones. There are noting much to do in Muscat apart from going to Ruwi for shopping. Most people actually go to Dubai (4hours drive or 1hour flight from Muscat).

There are few Nigerians working in the Sultan Qaboos University and Hospital. Most are however in the Oil Industry. The Omani Rial is a strong currency. Oman is not a place to hustle because a black man stands out.

The story of Oman based Ugandan maid

Sumaiya Nannyanzi, a 29 year-old single mother of four sons and resident of Nansana, Wakiso District went to Oman in search of greener pasture. On getting there, she found a job as a maid but after some time, her Muscat employer started torturing and battering her.

She claimed foreigners like her are more or less being treated like animals in that part of the world and she regretted having left Uganda.

She further claimed employees there seem to enjoy beating foreigners. Nannyanzi claimed after she has been beaten, she would be locked inside her room without food or water.

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