Three offices supplying housemaids closed in Oman

Muscat: The General Authority of Consumer Protection (PACP) in North Al Batinah closed three offices which would bring housemaids into the country because of lack of commitment of credibility and transparency in dealing with consumers.

A statement published by Consumer Protection said: “The General Authority of Consumer Protection in North Al Batinah recently closed three offices hiring housemaids after complaints filed against them and a lack of commitment of the owner to manage the three offices. This required the protection of consumers from the depletion of their money through unsecured contracts by these offices, and the arrest of owners of those institutions and contracting officials.”

“The action is due to the General Directorate of Consumer Protection in North Al Batinah governorate receiving a number of complaints against three labour recruitment offices where the consumers reported that they contracted with these offices to bring housemaids to their homes, but it became clear to them that the offices were not committed to credibility and transparency in dealing with consumers. “ the Consumer Protection added

The Consumer Protection also said: “After investigation into these complaints it showed that the offices delayed their response to the complaints filed, taking advantage of prolonged litigation in the courts and the need of consumers to expedite the completion of the cases and thus accepting the solutions imposed by the institutions, even for months. In addition, Consumer Protection found that these offices received all amount of money before the services provided. “

"This is in violation of the Consumer Protection Law and its regulation, which prohibits the receipt of the full amount before providing the service. The companies also returned housemaids and handed them over to a new sponsor without returning the money to the former sponsors and ending their procedures.”

“The Consumer Protection addressed the public prosecution in Sohar requesting the closure of establishments pending the resolution of complaints filed and the arrest of the owners of these establishments with their housemaids. A number of settlements and payments to consumers were also made, and the rest was referred to the public prosecution according to the text of the Article (37) of the Consumer Protection Law, which states that "the public prosecution may, upon a prior request from the president or his authorized representative, temporarily decide to close the establishment or stop the activity until the case is settled," Consumer Protection added

The General Authority for Consumer Protection calls on labour recruitment offices to abide by laws that protect the rights of consumers and invites them to address some of the wrong practices carried out by some offices, stressing that it will not hesitate to take necessary action to protect the rights of consumers and save their money.