Families sour over bachelor accommodation
COMPLY WITH REGULATIONS PERTAINING TO HOUSING EXPATRIATE LABOURERS OR ELSE IT COULD LEAD TO A FINE EXCEEDING RO 50
Many Omani families have expressed concern over neighbourhoods crowded with single expat workers citing rising theft, breach of privacy and other inconvenience.
Some of them have been forced to move out to other areas. This has prompted the Governorate of Muscat to reiterate the need to comply with regulations pertaining to housing expatriate labourers as it could lead to a fine exceeding RO 50.
This directive aims to prevent violations that may lead to penalties, considering the implications from security, social and economic standpoints. As per Article 31 of Local Command No 23/92 regarding the buildings’ organisation in Muscat and its amendments, it is not allowed to establish complexes or buildings to accommodate workers or bachelors in residential areas or commercial residential areas. No design is accepted, no matter what it recommends.
It is also not allowed to construct a building that combines family and bachelor accommodation. It also calls on landlords not to rent residential units to expatriate workers without families.
Faisal bin Abdullah, a citizen, said, “Some neighbourhoods are chaotic due to crowding of expat workers near family homes, not to mention the anxiety and inconvenience that these people cause. Some of the places where they stay are unhygienic. We agree that they are housed in residential areas due to the paucity of suitable alternatives. But companies must take responsibility for housing these groups in places designated for them and keep them away from the neighbourhoods.” Despite clear rules and regulations, bachelors are accommodated in residential neighbourhoods in Muscat. Khalid bin Hamad al Hasani said: “The accommodation for single workers near us is disturbing, and we are concerned about our children due to the presence of a group of single workers in large numbers. I cannot allow my children to play in front of the house, even in the evening after they return from school or during vacation, because some single workers sometimes walk in front of the houses smoking or in indecent clothing without regard for the privacy of the families or children.”
Al Hasani called for adherence to the regulations that prevent the housing of single workers in residential neighbourhoods.
Mohammed al Siyabi expressed his regret that some people rent their homes or rooms attached to homes to single expatriates in residential neighbourhoods without taking into account the concerns of families.
“If the community does not cooperate and come together, this problem cannot be eliminated, and landlords must not rent out premises just for financial gain.”
Hamoud bin Rashid said, “This menace is spreading in all governorates. Rules must be a deterrent for those who violate the regulations governing the housing for migrant workers.
He urged municipal councils to help residential neighbourhoods maintain privacy.”