Embassy requests firms in Oman to hire 800 Indians after company in Sohar shuts

The Indian Embassy in Muscat has approached companies in Oman requesting them to consider recruiting around 800 expatriates rendered jobless after a Sohar-based company ceased operations.

In the letter sent to companies, H E Indra Mani Pandey, Indian Ambassador to Oman has said, “Around 800 workers of Petron Gulf LLC Sohar are facing the prospect of returning to India as the company has ceased its operations. Most of them have experience of working here up to 12 years. They are competent and qualified to take up different kinds of assignments.

“The Ministry of Manpower is prepared to arrange No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the sponsor immediately after they are able to secure another job in Oman.

“I write to request you to consider recruiting them in case you are in need of qualified and experienced workers. This will save you the hassle of going through the process of fresh recruitment from India.”

Speaking to Muscat Daily, EV Surendran, admin officer, Petron Gulf said, “The 800 staff laid off are from India. The past four months salary and other dues like gratuity too have not been paid. The salary of most employees ranges from RO250 to RO1,000. There were some who had salary more than RO1,000 too. Some of them even have their families here. We have written to the Indian Embassy to look into this matter.”

In a tweet the Indian Embassy has said, “In matter related to around 800 workers and staff of a company in Sohar, the embassy has been working with the Ministry of Manpower to resolve it. The embassy has been in daily contact with the workers. Embassy’s officer is at the site. All feasible solutions are being explored.”