NO bachelors near family apartments

The Muscat Municipality has warned it is illegal in Muscat to house workers (bachelors) in apartments dedicated for families.
According to the municipality, such acts violate Article 31 of the local order 23/92 which strictly prohibits housing workers in residential areas.

On Tuesday, the Muscat Municipality, in coordination with the Public Prosecution and the Royal Oman Police (ROP), raided a bachelor accommodation in South Mawaleh.
Photographs from the raid show a large number of people were stuffed in a single flat, which, apart from raising hygiene and safety concerns, causes a heavy drain on the building infrastructure, including water and electricity.
“Lowly-paid expatriate workers try to save or earn some RO 20 and in the process, end up committing violations and all kinds of irregularities,” said Yakub, PRO of a contracting company.
“Many a times, I have been sent to such places to resolve disputes. There should be strict action (in case of violations),” he added.
Activities such as illegal food preparations for commercial purposes, laundry work and even vegetable farming are said to have been conducted in residential properties.
“My employer has many buildings in Muscat and he strictly gives them for families. Due to high vacancy rates, flats were rented out to expat bachelors who share with other colleagues. It is difficult to figure out what is happening in those flats,” he said.
Articles 30 and 31 of the local order 23/92 has clearly laid out guidelines on the use of residential properties in the capital. exceeding RO 500 or both penalties, shall be imposed on any person who is responsible for a child under 18 years of age or a physically or mentally challenged person, but he neglected to or abdicated that responsibility.”
The same provision is applicable to parents who leave behind their children without supervision and if the child, left home for any reasons, is exposed to rape, kidnap or other such dangers. Exemption is made where it is established that the parents are suitably watchful of their wards, or if the child runs away and is subsequently exposed to any harm.