Blade Companies in Oman cause bankrupcies among small-scale traders

Malayali investors duped by Manglorean Gold Scheme organiser

Sohar: Large number of expatriate investors have been allegedly duped by an Indian who is absconding with huge amount of money collected through a dubious gold saving scheme. According to some of the victims, Sadananda Karkar, an Indian from Manglore used to conduct a saving scheme by offerintg attractive gold coins. It is estimated that several expatriates, Malayalis and Mangloreans, have been duped by the culprit who has been absconding for the last three four days. Some of the victims have said that the scheme was like a personal chit fund intended to save gold based on a point system. Some of the affected Malayalis have approached the Indian Embassy and even the social clubs with complaints. A few people have even asked one of the linguistic Wings of Indian Social Club for financial assistance! The culprit has been running a supermarket in Sohar through which he was conducting chit funds and other schemes. People say they do not have any information about his whereabouts. Some of them fear that the culprit must have already left Oman through the amnesty scheme.

Conduting informal chit funds has been a regular practice among the expatriate community. Some of the chits have been running efficiently as a means to develop pool of financial resources to people who do not have access to bank financing. Money lenders too have been mushrooming in different parts of Oman and large number of expatriates running small shops and business have been trapped in a vicious circle of high interest rates and financial liability. The operation of blade companies and fake schemes appears to be worse than the situation in Kerala.

Blade Companies in Oman cause bankrupcies among small-scale traders

Central Bank cautions public against fraud

MUSCAT - The Central Bank of Oman (CBO) has alerted the public against new methods of fraud using subtle means to dupe people. According to the CBO recently an increasing number fraud using stolen and fake cheques from abroad are reported from Oman.

By selling fake or stolen cheques drawn on banks abroad fraudsters try to dupe unsuspecting members of the public. These financial instruments are sold after endorsement and at a discount with the promise that the new holder (alleged payee) would be able to encash these at local banks realising full value. Since the offer sounds attractive enough to make good profit, many people fell in the trap. Other fradulent means employed by the scamsters are the following;

Fraudulent promise of loans in advance being made available against the surety of bank securities and/or fixed deposits. The offer to deposit substantial transfers from fictitious names/accounts from abroad, either to the credit of their (Omani/expatriate) bank accounts or to the credit of companies in local banks, with the added promise that the respective account holders would, thereby, earn substantial sums by way of commissions.

Dealings with local banks indirectly through unauthorised persons who impress that they conduct normal banking transactions which, incidentally, also include the issue of fraudulent securities and the offer of fictitious investments abroad.

Dealings with unauthorised money remitters (both individuals and establishments) who effect money transferring overseas through the means of telegraphic transfers, pre-signed and post-dated cheques, cash invoices, etc.

Speculative dealings in foreign currencies. Under the prevailing laws and regulations such activity is among those already prohibited in Oman. And the so-called dealers/brokers offering these services, under what is dubbed trade representation /agency activity on behalf of institutions based abroad, are not, in the
strict sense, licenced by the CBO. The CBO said these fraudulent activities generally originate from sources both abroad and local.

Omanisation of Audio Video shops from October 24, 2001

Muscat -From October 24, 2001 onwards all expatriate salesman in large number of audio video shops in different parts of Oman will be replaced by Omani staff. According to the last ultimatum given by the ministry of social Social Affairs and Labour, an earlier decision to Omanise jobs in audio-video shops by February 2001 will now be fully implemented by October 24. The government move is to find solution to the growing unemployment problem among Omani youth. Sultan Qaboos has issued special directives to strengthen Omanisation in various sectors. In Muscat Governorate alone, there are at least 100 audio-video shops in which Malayalis are working.

According to directives received by expatriate run audio video shops, they have to replace all expatriate staff with Omani staff. Some of the small audio video shops fear that they will have no option but to close down the shops because most of the customers are Malayalais and it is economically not feasible to appoint Omanis at a higher salary. Many of them expected that at least one expatriate will be allowed to work along with the Omani staff, but the Ministry is taking a tough stand.

The ministry has also intensified efforts to Omanise expatriates jobs in 'Rent a Car' companies, contracting companies and other small enterprises managed by expatriates. Omanisation in Rent a Car companies was postponed due to opposition from local businessman. No labour clearance or visa is given for audio video shops and book shops. In the case of small companies, the Ministry of Social Affairs is taking stock of the Omani work force and asking them to appoint Omani staff on a permanent basis. Many small companies which employ Omanis on contract basis are asked to appoint full time Omani staff.
October 12, 2001
NO IRRIGATION PROJECTS OF KERALA PENDING CLEARANCE OF THE UNION MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES

Responding to a news item published in the section of the Press dated 11th October 2001 under the caption, "Tamil Nadu crop loss Rs. 300 crore, says Paneerselvam" the Central Government has clairified that no major irrigation project in Kerala is pending pending for approval. T. M. Jacob, Minister for Irrigation, Government of Kerala is reported in the news item as having urged the Central Government to clear the dozen odd irrigation projects for which the State had been seeking clearance for several years.

There are no irrigation projects pending in Kerala for clearance in the Central Water Commission (CWC) in the Ministry of Water Resources, said the Central Government in a statement. "Seven projects have been received so far for appraisal, out of which the Idmalayar Irrigation Project has been accepted by the Advirory Committee in June, 1994 subject to certain observations including concurrence of Government of Tamil Nadu for continued supply of 12.3 TMC of water to Kerala Sholayar Hydro Electric Project. The response from the State Government is still awaited," it said in a statement.
"The Attapady Irrigation Project requires permission to Cauvery Water Dispute Tribunal for utilisation of 4.6 TMC of water as envisaged in the Project Report. Besides, the following five projects namely, a) Moderrnisation of Neyyar Irrigation Project, b) Karapara-Kariar Kutty Project, c) Kuttiadi Augumentation Bansurasagar Project, d) Regulation cum Bridge at Chamravattam and e) Meenachil Valley Irrigation Project were sent back to the State Government due to major deficiencies in project formulation and are yet to be re-submitted. Thus, it is clarified that there are no irrigation projects pending clearance of the Union Ministry of Water Resources as reported in the Press," the statement claimed.

Gopi Memorial Award" Given to Ashrayam School, Kannur

Muscat- August 13, 2001; Friends and Well Wishers of late Mr. Gopikumar, a known social worker in Muscat, formed "Gopi Memorial Award" and the first award will be given this year to "Ashryayam School", Thottada, Kannoor. The award amount of Rs. 25,000, which will be spent for the welfare of mentally retarded children of the school, said Prabhakaran, Convenor of the Award Committee. Kannur Member of Parliament Abdul Kutty has handover the money to the school authorities on August 13, 2001. Gopikumar, (Ayilyathu Meleveettil, Mattannoor, Kannor) who had been playing a leading role in various socio-cultural and humanitarian activities in Oman, expired last year.

Malayali Youth found dead in mysterious circumstances

Thandekkal Parampil Sunil (33 years) from Kodali area, Vellikkulangara who had been missing since last Thursday was found dead in the Rusayl Industrial Estate, Oman. According to details given by his friends , Sunil who has been working as a barber went out to handle some money matters on Thursday night (10 p.m.) in connection with a Chitty Fund and did not return home. On Saturday his dead body was found hanging from the backside gate of a company in the Rusayl Industrial Estate, in Rusayl, an isolated area lying away from the Seeb Area. The Royal Oman Police has removed the body from the area and did a postmortem at the Qurum ROP Hospital. According to his friends, they suspect that the death was a murder case as the dead body was found hanging from a gate, with his legs touching the ground. He was hanging from the shirt that he was wearing. There are also indications that he might have been strangled to death. Sunil's family-- wife and two children-- are in Kerala. However the postmortem report said that his death occured due to hanging.

Malayali dies in Road Accident:

Following a tragic road accident near the Seeb International Airport, Vijaya Kumar Kartha (32 Years), who has been working in the Royal Guard of Oman died in a hospital here. Dead body was sent to Kottayam. While crossing the road in a heavy traffic area without proper pedestrian crossing facilities, Vijaya Kumar was hit by a running vehicle on June 21, 2001 causing multiple fractures. Seeb Airport crossing is a spot where a number of accidents occurred recently. According to eyewitnesses, there is no pedestrian crossing facility like over bridge or underground tunnel. Vijaya Kumar is from Kaippada Bhavanam, Manarcadu, Kottayam. Lack of pedestrian crossing facilities is causing a number of accidents in Oman. According to the Royal Oman Police the number of road accidents has also been going up in Oman.

Labour Ministry Warning against Employing Expatriates on Visit Visa

Muscat: September 7, 2001: Oman's ministry of labour Social Affairs has issued strong warning to companies and individuals against illegally employing expatriates who visit the Sultanate on visit Visa . According to an official announcement the Ministry has informed companies and individuals to stop employing expatriate employees who are brought on visit visa instead of fulfilling the omisation targets. "The ministry of Labour has recently observed that private sector companies and establishments employ workers who are on visit visas, instead of employing Omanis to achieve their targeted rate of Omanisation. This puts labour owners in a clear violation of laws and regulations," the Ministry said, adding that entrepreneurs and labour owners are requested to immediately stop such illegal activity. The Ministry has also warned such erring companies that while expatriate labourers will be punished and deported to their home country, employers will also be punished.

A number of dubious travel agents, especially managed by Malayali agents, have been bringing people from Kerala and other parts of India on visit visas and express visas charging Rs.80,000 per visa and employing them with local companies without proper travel documents. Oman has deported more than 10,000 illegal immigrants through a special amnesty scheme. It has also made medical check ups compulsory for people seeking visit visas.

Six Indians Arrested for bootlegging and illegal liquor sales.

Muscat September 7, 2001: The Customs Department of the Royal Oman police (ROP) has arrested six Indians including Malayalis, for bootlegging and illegally selling liquor in Oman. According to the ROP the six member gang of bootleggers (charayam vattukar-in Malayalam) from Mabeela in Seeb area were caught with empty bottles, raw materials like dates, vegetables. Making and marketing illegal liquor is a major business carried out by a number of Malayalis in Oman. It is learned that the gang used to bring raw materials from a neighbouring country to make illicit drug and sell it cheaply in different parts of Oman.

Bootlegging is a major illegal activity of Malayali expatriates in the interior farms where dates and other raw materials are available in plenty. The six arrested include Rajesh Babu, P. A. Saleem Nasser Yousuf , Mahboob Mohuddin and Abdul Rasheed. The police arrested them following a tip off and will be referred to the Judicial Court of justice.The police confiscated huge quantity of raw materials, liquor, empty bottles of leading liquor companies with their label printed on them.

August 18, 2001.

Two Arrested for Killing Omani Mother Daughter.

Muscat-The Royal Oman Police have arrested two Pakistanis on charges of murdering an Omani women and her daughter on July 30, 2001. According to ROP official sources, the criminals killed Fatima bint Salim bin Saif and daughter Mariam bint Saif on 30 July for theft at Mahdha Wilayath of Oman last month and fled to the neighbouring UAE. On the morning of July 30, the two suspects who used to work in the wilayat, were reportedly seen sneaking through the farms and heading towards a highway. UAE Police, Al Ain Ajman and Fujiara Police Station helped Royal Oman Police in nabbing the culprits.

Malayali lady still Missing

Investigations into the dramatic kidnapping of two Indian housemaids from the Seeb International Airport has not reached any concrete conclusion as the second housemaid from Thrichur is still not traceable, according to sources. While one of the Malayali housemaid is still in prison, as the local sponsor who issued visa to bring the girl to Oman is unwilling to bail her out from the prison. The whereabouts of the second lady kidnapped from the Seeb International Airport is still unknown. Unconfirmed reports said that the Royal Oman Police has conducted more raids and arrested two Philippino ladies. The ROP had arrested a gang of 10 including Malayali women who were involved in kidnapping Malayali ladies from the Seeb International Airport on their way to Khasab. There is a big sex trafficking gangwhich has been victimising innocent Malayali girls into immoral trade.

July 11, 2001

Car hit Malayali unconscious for two months in Omani hospital

Muscat- Kunjumon Biju (26 years), from Manjadi Moodu, Chiryankeezhu, met with a road accident two months back at Sohar. Since then he has been lying unconscious for at the Sohar hospital where he is getting treatment. Due to severe head injury he has been unconscious and there is nobody to look after him in the Surgical Ward of Sohar hospital. While going in a bicycle, he was hit by a car driven by an Omani citizen.

New to Oman, the accident took place two months after he joined a small company. According to sources, the young Malayali has no relative in Oman and is not getting much support. Initially he was getting treatment at the Khoula hospital and later on moved to Sohar hospital. The Indian Embassy, Social Clubs or others should take initiative to send him to Kerala or get insurance claims. As he is unconscious four seats are required in the airline to send him to India. Currently two other patients with similar problem, one Bangladeshi and one Pakistani are getting treatment in Sohar hospital. Such problems keep occuring to workers who join small companies without proper insurance cover. Recently two other Malayalis died in road accidents near Sumail and Seeb International Airport.

Illegal Fishing dangerous: Royal Oman Police

2. The Royal Oman police have warned fishermen who do fishing in Omani coastal waters about the serious danger involved in such activities. Even though fishing is banned in certain areas of Oman, a number of people including Malayalis go in small boats for fishing. Recently one out of four Malayalis who were illegally fishing in Masira, an interior town died as the boat sunk near the coast. While three people escaped, one person who did not know swimming drowned in the sea. According to the ROP fishermen boat, especially near the coastal area, are likely to risk such accidents. The Mina Al Fahal coastal area in Muscat near the Petroleum Development Oman (oil company) is a restricted zone for fishing, but many fishermen engage in illegal fishing. The danger is more because fishing boats without proper lighting are likely to be hit by oil tankers. Small fishing vessels can be run down or trapped by large tankers that come to load and unload crude oil. A number of Malayalis do illegal fishing in Omani waters

Dileep Kumar's dead body buried in Oman.

Muscat-The dead body of Dileep Kumar (27), an employee of Stage Enterprises, who died under mysterious circumstances in Muscat is buried in Oman itself as the Medical Report from the Royal Oman Police has reportedly suggested that the decomposed body cannot be flown to India. According a senior Indian embassy official, the body is decomposed and it cannot be send to India. The embassy official said that C.Preman, Acting Convenor, Kerala Wing, Indian Social Club has been authorised by the close relatives of Dileep Kumar to perform last rites and funeral in Oman. This will be done immediately after getting a death certificate from the ROP.

According to embassy officials, the poor state of affairs in Stag Enterprises was brought to the notice of Omani labour Minister Shaikh Al Hosni by the former Indian Ambassador Satnam jit Sing on May 12, 2001. However, embassy officials say that depsite the ministers promise to resolve the problem, nothing happened.

Dileep Kumar was found hanging from the ceiling of an isolated barrack in the Stag labour camp, Azaiba. According to his colleagues, mentally depressed Dileep was missing for a few days before his dead body was found. According to official version, the body was decomposed and smelling due to exposure to heavy heat in the desert environment. It was after the workers got agitated that the Indian Embassy and the Indian Social Club called the police and removed the dead body. This reporter could not confirm whether the body has been subjected to a post mortem "due to the decomposed nature of dead body."

According to ISC Kerala Wing, the Indian Embassy was requested to arrange two close relatives of Dileep Kumar to visit Oman for attending the funeral. The ISC was ready to finance their trip to Muscat and Stag management agreed to arrange a visa. However, the relatives did not have passports Even though the Indian Embassy in Muscat made special arrangements for speedy issue of passport to the relatives, they finally sent a fax today evening authorising Mr. Preman to perform the last rites in Muscat itself.

Now all effort is to get due compensation for the bereaved family. However, normally for suicide cases there is no provision for compensation. As the suicide was allegedly caused by the harassment of the senior management of the company, move is to get compensation.. The embassy is also trying to get end of service benefits to Dileep Kumar's family. Dileep Kumar is the son of Krishnan, Priyabhavan, Nangyarathu Peedikayil, Thalacherry. Press reports said that serious attempt was made by some Kerala Politicians to bring the dead body to Kerala.

600 Confirmed AIDS cases in Oman, Medical Expense unbearable to victims:

There are 600 cases of registered AIDS patients in Oman and many of them find it difficult to meet the high medical expenses, said a report in the state controlled Oman Arabic Newspaper today. The report said that Omani youth contract AIDS because they go to foreign countries for tourism and forget Islamic principles in their day to day life. A senior official of the Oman Aids Control Department, warned the public to keep away from disease causing activities. Generally health services is free for Omani citizens. However the cost of one months medical bill for an Omani AIDS patient is RO 350 (Rs. 40,000). Special attention is given by a group of volunteers to give counseling to Omani youth from indulging in practices that lead to AIDS. In the case of confirmed AIDS patients, special medical check up is conducted on the patient, his wife and young children, the state media said. Till recently, Oman was keeping the official figures about AIDS as a closely secret.

10,000 illegal expatriates leave Oman through Amnesty. Amnesty Date extended till October end.

Muscat-- About 10,000 illegal expatriates, almost half of them Indians, left Oman through the amnesty channel provided by the Ministry of Labour, said a senior Labour Ministry official. Deported workers are mainly those who were working illegally or absconding from their sponsors. As the people have been not doing any regular work, the deportation of huge number will not have any major impact on the labour market.

The Oman Government has extended the grace period for amnesty seekers till October end. Shaikh Amor bin Shuwain al Hosni, Minister of Social Affairs, Labour and Vocational Training said here that so far about 12,000 illegal expatriates have helf Oman through the Amnesty scheme. He also revealed that in accordance with the latest Royal Decree to set up a National Work Force Registry, work will start next month for the same. Except Military and security personnel, all employees in Oman will be covered under the scheme.

The register of national workforce was established owing to the non-availability of correct statistics of national workforce and is intended to collect data according to the qualification and experience of workers in various fields. The data available at present with various ministries and organisations are not accurate. Registration for the Muscat region will be conducted at the Directorate-General of Vocational Training in Al Khuwair, for Dhofar region at the Salalah Labour Office and labour offices concerned in other regions.

Two new technical colleges would be established in Ibri and Shinas to make the total strength of technical colleges under the ministry to seven with a student capacity of more than 4,000 a year. The minister stressed that the Omanisation process in the country has been successful and other Gulf countries are emulating the Sultanate's policies in their drive to nationalise workforce. Oman is now capable of even offering the services of highly qualified and trained personnel to the Gulf region, the Minister said.

Various Embassies have been informally issuing out passes (Emergency Certificates) for illegal expatriates. Indian Embassy has issued more than 5,000 Ecs and 1000 people with valid documents have approached the Labour Department directly. According to estimates about 10,000 illegal Indian expatriates will be in Oman and the number have been growing as a nexus of travel agents, influential sponsors and others have been regularly bringing in expatriates without assured job. Agents who collect huge amounts as commission have been bringing many people, ultimately leaving many of them freely in the country without proper labour documents.

Even when the amnesty scheme was going on some travel agents brought Indian workers with business and express visas valid for fifteen days. A large number of illegal migrants in Oman have been victims of such cheating cases. In 1998, about 7,000 illegal Indians left the Sultanate through an amnesty scheme.

Madhu Bags ISC Wing Cultural Award

Muscat-Malayalam Cine Artist Madhu will receive this year's "Cultural Award" from Indian Social Club, Malayalam Wing. The final choice fell on Madhu after a panel of well-known artists was considered by the Malayalam Wing for the award, which is presented every year to a prominent personality who has contributed immensely for the cultural field of Kerala.

"Madhu was selected considering his notable contribution to Malayalam films for over a period spanning four decades. Madhu has acted in a number of hit movies and is regarded as a respectful actor in present day times," said C.N.P.Namboothiri, Convenor, Indian Social Club (Malayalam) Wing. Madhu is popular in Malayalam film world as well as in the national film field too, he added. Even now the seasoned actor is doing a number of small screen serials for Malayalam Channels.During his long period of film career Madhu has acted in classic movies like "Chemmen" and some of his characters and movies have become immortal contribution to Malayalam films.

In the past, notable personalities like Adoor Gopalakrishnan, Kadamanitta, Nedumudi Venu, Sukumar Azhikkode, Murali, Sachidananthan, D.Vinayachandran and Jagathi Sreekumar were the receipients of ISC-Malayalam Wing's Cultural Awards.
The award will be presented to Madhu in Muscat during the three day Onam valedictory function being organised by ISC Malayalam Wing on September 5, 6 and 7. "The Malayalam Wing has been celebrating the Onam festival for several years. As part of the Onam programme, it conducts various competitions for children in dance, drama, music and essay writing competitions. The award will be presented after one month long competitions.

"The three day valedictory function will be held with various cultural programmes, award presentation, prize distributions followed by a traditional Kerala feast -"Ona Sadhya" served on plantain leaf. The Malayalam Wing has been serving this Onam feast for sevral years and all sections of people, irrespective of caste, creed and culture participate and enjoy it.

India-Middle East Portal Plans Electronic Directory

Dubai - August 8, 2001: The first India- Middle East news portal www.businessnewsguide.com) is planning to expand its coverage of various Middle East and North African (MENA) countries, which have strong economic ties with India. The portal, which was launched last year, is planning to bring out a comprehensive Middle East-India business directory, covering various companies, institutions and associations in the region, a statement said. The directory will be a reference point for anybody interested in doing business in the areas covered.

Traditionally economic relation between India and MENA has been strong. The volume of bilateral trade and investment is growing. The proposed directory will cover various social organisations, schools, colleges, media, airlines, travel agents etc from India-MENA region.

"Our long-term plan is to attract the Indian business community in the Middle East North Africa (MENA) region. The media portal http//:www.businessnewsguide.com jointly launched by Middle East and India based journalists and IT professionals has successfully completed one year of operation," said Shyam Kumar, Director of the company. Currently the media coverage from the region is limited to political news. "The portal will provide business content to other Indian media establishments. In addition to regional news, the portal will also provide interesting news features from different parts of the world," he added.

The portal will provide market intelligence about various projects, tender notices and other aspects of doing business. Businessnewsguide will act as a cyber platform for various Indian companies interested in promoting their products and services in MENA, one of the fast growing regional markets, especially after the oil price revival. The portal covers banking and finance, oil and gas, construction, trade, e-commerce and information technology, healthcare, education etc. An integrated financial market is coming up in the region where the banking sector is strong. Indian banks have strong presence in the MENA region and Indian companies are entering Dubai Internet City, a regional hub for e-commerce.

For inclusion in the directory, free entries of product profiles, email and postal addresses of companies can be sent to the editor@businessnewsguide.com and the database will be periodically updated.For further details contact: editor@businessnewsguide.com

Kidnapping of Malayali girls: Culprits produced in Sohar Court

Muscat-The main culprits arrested in connection with the kidnapping case of two Malayali ladies from Oman have been sent to the Sohar Court today and the CID Wing of the Royal Oman Police is learned to be extending investigation of the case to the UAE and other Gulf countries. According to sources, the search for the second missing Malayali girl has not yielded any result. It is learned that the case is only a tip of the ice berg as similar cases in the past were either not reported due to fear and social stigma associated with the issue or not investigated thoroughly by the concerned authorities. ROP is likely to get the criminals remanded to police custody for further investigations. It is not known whether investigation will be extended to the Kerala link of the gang members.

The normal practice followed by such gangs operating in Muscat and other Gulf countries is to recruit good-looking girls into various jobs and the victims realise their plight only after reaching the Gulf. Some gangs lure housemaids and others working in the Gulf to the racket through a number of ways - mainly employing ladies to lure girls. Housemaids who face harassment from their local sponsors come to the embassies with complaints or reach airports for deportation, the gang members use various tricks to lure them. As many professional ladies (like three ladies arrested in the current case), girls don't suspect any foul play. Such gangs keep watching for girls who come to the airports, bus stands or embassies. Ladies who are already in the vicious circle are used to encourage others.

Asianet investigation reveals that there are a number of Malayalis engaged in this racket and the trade has grown like small scale industry Gang members exchange girls from one region to another and afterwards they are sent to other Gulf countries through Dubai. They also make fake documents like marriage certificates to legitimise their business. A few months back there was a crack down on such immoral practice by the ROP and deported more than 40 culprits. Due to the role of some big wigs such gangs mushroom again and again.

Madhyamam Newspaper hits Muscat Stands:

Bahrain based Malayalam Newspaper Madhyama has hit the stands in Muscat from today onwards. Even though Madhyamam, the first Malayalam daily from the Gulf and Malayalam News from Saudi Arabia were available in Bahrain, the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, Omani authorites had restricted their circulation. The Gulf edition of Madhyamam has been in Bahrain for the past one year. Like other Gulf dailies it will be available in Muscat in the afternoon. The 16 page colour edition is having a special page for news from the Gulf countries.

Bus Accident at Jabal, Salalah: Five people died and 43 injured

Two Victims in Intensive Care Unit, 13 patients with major injuries

Salalah: July 7, 2001: In a major road accident at Jabal near Salalah in the southern part of Oman five passengers including Omanis and an Indian driver have died on the spot. The bus belonging to a private transport company, Orient Transport in Ruwi, hit the pavement early morning and went off the road causing minor injury to 43 passengers. The accident took place in Jabal, a mountainous region near Salalah full of s fog. The driver could not see the road properly due to fog and must have hit the pavement, said witnesses.

According to sources in Sultan Qaboos Hospital, Salala, 43 people have been admitted with minor injuries and only 13 of them have some major injuries. However none of the injured passengers is serious, said hospital sources. "Most of the passengers admitted in this hospital have only minor injuries. Some of them have serious head and body injuries," said hospital sources. The victims are being treated in two hospitals in Salalah. "Two of the patients are in intensive care units," added sources. Due to Khareef season, there were more than 50 passengers in the bus. Official sources said that some people's talk about high causality figures is not correct and misleading.

The accident took place early morning (3 O clock) and the Royal Oman Police has not revealed details about the accident. The bus was going from Muscat to Salalah and the casualty includes two Omani men, two women and one Pakistani citizen. Salalah is 1000 kms away from Muscat and is the venue of a Khareef festival. The Malayali driver who died in the accident is Mr. Ismail Haneefa (38 years) from Karamana, Trivandrum. . Orient Travels, which is running regular services between Muscat and Salalah has its office near the Sultan Qaboos Mosque in CBD area. Officials of the company could not be contacted for further details about the damage.

On August 3, seven people belonging to a UAE family were killed in a fatal accident at South of Adam near Salalah. The dead bodies were found charred inside the UAE registered four-wheel drive that caught fire immediately after the accident happened at Adam in Salalah Nizwa Road. The truck proceeding from south had a head on collision with a UAE registered Land Cruiser. The Indian driver of the truck had sustained serious injuries. The ROP has urged drivers to pay more attention and to be cautious while driving on the fast road.

Keralite girl sues Arab husband

CALICUT: In another case of "desi-foreign" nuptial relation in northern Kerala, a Malayali girl has moved a local court in Kannur district, against her husband, who is a Arab national, for allegedly harassing and cheating her after marriage. Twenty four year old K K Najma from Champad near Thalassery filed a complaint against Mohammed Isa Hamudi (52), hailing from Sultnate of Oman, with the Additional Chief Judicial magistrate on Saturday last. The court taking cognizance of the complaint, directed the Panur police to investigate the case and file a report. In her complaint, Najma listed as other accused one Azis Othayoth (45) and his sister Nazima from Nadapuram in Calicut district for reportedly brokering the marriage with the Gulf businessman. Azis had introduced Hamudi to Najma and their marriage was registered on February 14, 1999. He had also taken Rs 25, 000 as commission from Najma's family. After the marriage, the couple had stayed with Najma's family and that of Aziz's for a month till Hamudi left back for Gulf promising that he would return with the visa to take her along with him.

August 3, 2001

Official Negligence delayed Insurance Claim settlement of Binu Kunjuraman.

Muscat--Due to an irresponsible stand taken by the Indian Embassy Officials in Muscat, the Insurance Company, which is supposed to settle the claim of Mr.Kunjuraman Binu who met with a serious road accident in Sohar, has been delaying the settlement. Earlier the Insurance Company had verbally agreed to settle the matter soon and make arrangements to send Binu to Kerala for further treatment. It is alleged that the Embassy officials in collusion with other vested interests are following a delaying tactics. Insurance Company is yet to give an official offer to settle the matter. These tragic events culminated in the death of Binu in the Sohar hospital.

The insurance claim was almost settled but something went wrong during the last minute. It may be noted that the victim who was in a state of coma needed to be taken to Kerala immediately for further treatment and the people who were looking after him said that the condition was very critical. In a complain lodged with NORKA, they alleged that the Indian Embassy officials were trying to delay the settlement for unknown reasons. It was said that the patient could be sent back only in September when the Medical Board in Oman was to hold its regular meeting. The fact is that the patient was in such a critical condition that delaying his transfer to Kerala till September complicated his illness. The Medical Board has to give a certificate saying that the patient needs to be taken to Kerala for further treatment.

"We have submitted the medical report to the Indian Embassy in early June 2001 but they have not taken any initiatives to settle the matter. Whenever we reach the embassy with the problem, they give some excuse and send us back," said the complaint. According to insurance sources, the concerned officials may be following a delaying tactics and if the patient dies in Oman, the compensation amount will be substantially less than what is payable otherwise. It may be noted another Bengali patient who was in the same situation in the same hospital with Mr. Binu died recently. While the insurance claim can go up to RO 30,000 if the patient is alive, the amount will be less than RO 5,000 if the patient dies here. His wife has also given an authorisation letter to settle the matter.

The pathetic case of Binu raises other issues about settling insurance claims to Indians. It is learned that large number of insurance compensation cases of people who die in accidents and otherwise are pending with insurance companies. Now a serious question mark is being raised whether such delay in settling the insurance claims is due to the negligence of Embassy officials who are acting in connivance with insurance brokers. According to the medical certificate issued by doctors, Binu Kunjuraman needs 24 hour medical care and the relatives have arranged a written permission from a leading hospital in Thiruvananthapuram for further treatment. The Airline has also agreed to take him on one days notice, but everything depends on the settling of insurance claim. The issue needs urgent attention of the concerned authorities.

July 30, 2001

Crucial Meeting of Oman Air-Indian Airlines tomorrow in Delhi.

New Delhi: Senior officials of delegation from Oman Air is in New Delhi to conduct second round of negotiations with their counterparts in Indian Airlines to start international flights between Nedumbassery and Muscat. It is learned that the first round of negotiations have been total failure as the 2 per cent "royalty" demanded by IA from Oman Air on each ticket was unacceptable to Oman's national carrier. It is expected that both the parties may soften their stiff stance and reach a compromise formula so that Oman Air will be able to fly from Nedumbassery at least by October November. Even though Oman Air has been hopeful to start the Nedumbassery flight before August 15, as promised by Indian Prime Minister Vajpayee during a recent visit to Kerala, it is unlikely to happen soon. Other Gulf carriers like the Emirates, Gulf Air, Kuwait Air etc are keenly watching the situation. As Oman Air is given landing rights for 600 seats per seat, Air India too can claim same number of seats per week to Muscat. However, both IA and Air India are not keen to take that number of seats to Muscat.

 

One more Malayali youth committs suicide, Mohan's Suicide Mystery Continues

One more Malayali youth has committed suicide in Muscat and the dead body is kept in a hospital mortuary. The death due to hanging is not yet reported to the Indian Embassy and the reason for the suicide is not known. Details about the deceased are not yet fully known to the embassy, but it suspected that the suicide might be due to personal reasons.

Meanwhile, the circumstances leading to the mysterious death of Mohanan (40 years) (Kayamkulam, Krishnapuram Kappilkizhakku Kaleekkathaikkal House) who had been working in a small private company in Oman is unknown and the Indian embassy officials said they do not have more details about the case. Embassy officials said that the Omani sponsor is willing to send the body to India but since the body is in a decomposed form the doctor certified that it couldn't be embalmed for transportation. Mohan was missing for a few days before his dead body was found.

The relatives in Kerala are adamant that the deadbody should be sent home and the stalemate may continue for sometime. In the case of Ramesh Kumar, an employee of Stag Enterprises, who died in Muscat, the deadbody was buried in Sohar because the body was decomposed. In his case, the parents gave approval for his burial in Oman. If the ongoing dispute continues, the dead body will remain in mortuary for sometimes. In a fax message, Indian Embassy and ROP asked the relatives to give their permission for burying the body in Oman. In a return fax the relatives demanded that the dead body should be sent to Kerala as promised earlier by the sponsor. His wife and two children survive Mohan. The death occurred sometimes in the first week of July and the message reached his relatives on July 8, 2001.

According to media reports from Kerala, Mohanan who was working in Oman wrote to his wife Ratnamma three weeks back that everything is fine and that he will be visiting Kerala next December. However, some people say that Mohan had some financial liability and might have borrowed from the local moneylenders. Embassy officials also hinted that Mohan had some financial liability. Two weeks back, Asianet had reported the case of one young supermarket owner who committed suicide due to financial liability and possible harassment from the Malayali Shylocks.

LIC to start Operations in Muscat

Muscat--Life Insurance Company (LIC) is planning to start a new joint venture in Oman, in collaboration with a leading Omani business house. According to reports, a delegation from LIC was in Oman to discuss business opportunities and after getting approval from the Government of Oman, the company will enter Oman. It will be targeting the large number of Non Resident Indians in Oman. LIC has been negotiating with National Life Insurance of Oman for a joint venture proposal.

Oman Air will not fly Muscat-Nedumbassery Flight

Muscat--Oman Air, the national airline of Oman, is not likely to start the first international flight to Nedumbassery soon because the Civil Aviation Ministry of India has put forward a new barrier for the proposal. According to informed airline sources, the Civil Aviation Ministry has made it compulsory that Oman Air Should sign a "Commercial Agreement" with one of the Indian carriers -viz Indian Airlines or Air India. The barrier implied that Oman Air should have a profit sharing arrangement either with Indian Airlines or Air India. However, Oman Air has blatantly rejected the proposal, as it wanted to run Nedumbassery-Muscat service on its own without any profit sharing arrangement with Indian carriers.--which currently monopolise the traffic to Nedumbassery.

The new barrier imposed on Oman Air has dampened the hope of other international airlines like Gulf Air, British Airways, KLM, Emirates and others to start direct international flights from Nedumbassery airport. It was announced earlier that Oman Air will be the first international airline to start direct international flights to Nedumbassery by mid-August and that it was permitted to have 600 seats per week. All the major international airlines met Chief Minister A.K.Antony and discussed opening the airport for them. Earlier Indian Social Club Malayalam Wing had submitted a memorandum to the Indian Prime Minister demanding that Nedumbassery should be opened for other international airlines and that there should be 25 per cent reduction in Muscat-India fares. Passengers were hoping that more international flights from Nedumbassery will reduce the abnormal rates charged by national carriers. Despite all these campaigns, the Civil Aviation Ministry has imposed this fresh barrier.

According to airline sources, Oman Air has grounded an aircraft, which met with an accident at Thiruvananthapuram. Last week Oman Air announced that it would make some changes in its flight schedule as part of its plan for safety maintenance of its Airbus 310, PW 4156 A engines. Even during the peak Khareef Festival season, Oman Air has cancelled some of the flights to Salalah and rescheduled the Dubai flights. Due to the grounding of the damaged aircraft Oman Air is facing severe shortage of aircraft, sources added. The aircraft was damaged when the lorry carrying the ladder hit one its wings.

Blade Companies cause bankrupcies among small-scale traders

Muscat-Mounting bankruptcies and financial problems are causing serious difficulties to the small scale Malayali traders in Oman due to the very high interest rate charged by many "blade companies" illegally run by Malayalis themselves. According to informed sources, recently a young Malayali businessmen in Sohar -Musanna area committed suicide (name withheld), due to serious financial debt incurred by his family. Even though the middle class business family has been in Oman for about two decades, they had to borrow heavily from local blade companies at cutthroat interest rate to run a super market after their petty business of bringing fruits and vegetables from Dubai to local market stopped all of a sudden.

When the Omani government decided that only Omanis should do this job, many Malayalis who have been doing the business were left in a difficult financial situation. Last year a number of Malayalis faced serious financial situation when the tractor-driving job was Omanised. Many of them who bought tractors with borrowed money (either from banks or blade companies) had to dispose of their means of livelihood and leave the country. Same situation will happen when other jobs are Omanised.

According to sources, there are number of local blade companies, which charge abnormal interest rates, forcing many small-scale traders and supermarket owners to abscond from the country. People who borrow RO 1000 or so to finance their small scale business at abnormal rate of interest have to start repaying the debt next day onwards and if the business faces any problem, they end up facing difficult financial situation. Since expatriate traders do not have access to bank financing, such blade companies are doing booming business. Even though the Central bank of Oman prohibits such informal blade companies run by individuals or group of people, many such companies are operating in Oman.

Observers say that the situation is worse than the methods followed by blade companies in Kerala. Before lending to people they take post-dated cheques and if the cheque bounces, it becomes a criminal offense in Omani. The problem is complicated in the case of Malayalis who have got huge amount of bank borrowings back home as many of them build palatial buildings and banglows in their hometown. There are number of cases where the supermarket owners close the shop overnight and flee the country, leaving bad name for the Malayali community. Many wholesale suppliers give 90-day credit to such shops, giving enough room for absconding. There are hundreds of small shops and supermarkets run by Malayali businessmen. Whenever there is a Government announcement about Omanisation, people doing that business will be running here and there to sell their property at throwaway prices to clear off old debts and leave the country.