Latest news with #ROP
Observer
13 hours ago
- Observer
Be aware of fake consumer protection authority calls
Two days ago, my dad informed me about a spooky incident that occurred to a very close relative. Basically, the relative received an engaging long phone call from a person impersonating an official from the Consumer Protection Authority (CPA). Later, I learnt that a few more of the people I know have also received a similar phone call. My article today will shed light on how the incident plays out so as to share guidance on how one should handle such a situation. At about 11:20 a.m. a phone call was made to our relative from an official-looking +968 prefix number. The caller spoke confidently in Arabic and also knew the name in full. The caller introduced themselves as an official from the Consumer Protection Authority and went on to provide details about a recent complaint that was logged at the Authority's office by the relative. Upon confirming details of the logged complaint (and of course trusting the caller), an attempt to request the bank name, account number, etc., was made by the caller, stating that this information is required in order to refund payments requested by the relative. The relative received an SMS with an actual one-time password (OTP) from the bank. The caller then urgently stated, 'Share the number received' with a pressing voice. Being vigilant and from an industry that practices due diligence, the relative hung up, called the bank on the back of her card, and learnt it was all a scam. This, however, was not the case with a few others I know who were scammed and lost their money as an unfortunate result. Scammers impersonating Oman's Consumer Protection Authority (CPA), banks, and even the Royal Oman Police (ROP) are escalating their game. In 2024, the CPA and ROP's e-crime unit recorded a significant surge in impersonation and phishing calls, with victims losing thousands of rials. A large percentage of these frauds involved victims unknowingly sharing OTPs or card details over the phone, exactly what banks and regulators repeatedly warn never to do. These scams work because of a dangerous mix of psychology and technology. People instinctively comply when someone claims to be from a government body. Scammers often have partial information like your name or phone number, which makes them sound even more convincing. Adding to the illusion, they use number spoofing to make the call appear to come from a local or official-looking number. One needs to be aware that no legitimate authority or bank will ever ask for your OTP, full card details, or CVV over the phone, or even an email or other form of communication such as social media/networks or an instant messaging application (such as WhatsApp or FB Messenger) per se. The safest response is to simply hang up, and even better, report it to ensure others don't get scammed. Our close relative was almost scammed. Luckily (alhamdulillah), she didn't lose a single rial because she paused, verified, and refused to share her OTP (one-time password). I am aware of a number of people who were taken for a ride with similar scams, unfortunately. These scammers continue to find sinister ways to evolve and scam vulnerable people. The best way to fight back is to talk about these scams and report them (as I had illustrated in my previous articles). If this article opened your eyes, share it with your family and friends, as it could save them from losing their financial savings. The more we talk about these scams, the less power fraudsters have over our community. As it's known, sharing is caring. Until we catch up again next week, keep your eyes and mind wide open.
Observer
3 days ago
- Observer
Crackdown on drugs, alcoholic beverages continues
The law enforcement authorities, led by the Royal Oman Police (ROP), have been cracking down on the trafficking of narcotic substances and alcholic beverages, which continues to be reported at regular intervals. Last week, the Coast Guard Police, led by the Musandam Police, seized a boat in Oman's territorial waters with three Iranian nationals on board, in possession of quantities of alcoholic beverages. Legal procedures are being completed against them. In another case, the Coast Guard, in cooperation with the General Directorate for Combating Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, successfully intercepted a smuggling boat coming from the Islamic Republic of Iran after a precise tracking operation as it entered Omani territorial waters and attempted to evade police vessels. The crew, consisting of three infiltrators of Pakistani nationality, was apprehended off the coast of Quriyat Governorate, with more than 70kg of hashish in their possession. The Coast Guard Police, led by the Dhofar Governorate Police, thwarted an attempt to smuggle more than five hundred and fifty kilograms of drugs carried out by three individuals of Yemeni nationality who illegally entered Omani territorial waters via a fishing boat. Legal procedures against them are being completed A house used by expatriate workers in Suhar was raided for storing large quantities of alcoholic beverages, and two individuals of Indian nationality were arrested with than 15,380 bottles and cans of alcoholic beverages. The General Directorate of Customs, in collaboration with the General Directorate of Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Control, thwarted an attempt to smuggle 11.65 kilograms of marijuana through Salalah International Airport. The quantity was seized in the possession of two Indian nationals, who had professionally concealed it within their luggage.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
Oman to end visa renewal grace period on July 31: Here's what you need to know
Oman's visa renewal grace period nears its July 31 deadline/Representative Image TL;DR: Oman 's grace period for visa and residency expiry ends on July 31, 2025. Eligible expatriates may renew or transfer visas without paying any fines.. Others planning to exit Oman permanently with expired non-work visas can also do so without penalties. Royal Oman Police (ROP) has upgraded its systems and clarified the scope—the exemption applies only to cases formally rectified through the Ministry. Affected individuals and employers must act before the deadline to avoid automatic fines or legal action. As of July 31, 2025, a deadline looms large for expatriates in Oman: the end of the visa and residency renewal grace period, which waives fines for those overstaying their permits. The Royal Oman Police (ROP) and the Ministry of Labour jointly announced that eligible foreign visitors and workers can either renew their status or exit the country without facing financial penalties, provided they initiate the process before the deadline and comply with stated conditions. After July 31, the exemption ends and regular fines and legal processes resume. What's Covered: The Rectification Scheme Explained Who Qualifies The grace period applies to two main groups: Expats renewing residency or transferring jobs within Oman. They can rectify expired work permits or residency cards without paying accumulated fines, as long as their status is regularised through the Ministry of Labour. Individuals exiting Oman permanently under non-work visas. These visitors may depart without fines if their visa status is confirmed and they are not subject to criminal proceedings. What Happens After July 31 Once the grace period ends, any foreigner whose visa or residence permit is still expired and has not rectified their status through official channels becomes liable for daily overstay fines, potential deportation, and travel bans. Those intending to work or remain in Oman must apply through proper Ministry procedures before the deadline. How It Works Applicants submit their case through the Ministry of Labour's online system. Status verification occurs within approximately one week. Once approved, fines are waived and the individual may renew, transfer jobs, or depart without outstanding financial obligations. Applications are processed via ROP and Ministry systems, which were upgraded specifically for this campaign. Official Advisories from Authorities Royal Oman Police ROP has publicly confirmed the fine waivers and urged eligible individuals and companies to act before the July 31 cut-off. Officials stressed that the amnesty is limited strictly to the outlined categories and does not apply to those involved in criminal violations. Ministry of Labour Muscat's labour authorities confirmed that the amnesty is part of a broader workforce regulation initiative. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Up to 70% off | Libas Purple Days Sale Libas Undo Starting February 1, 2025, employers and workers have a six-month window to settle expired permits, update worker records, or terminate employment under acceptable terms—without accumulating penalties. Why the Amnesty Matters Now Ministry Reform Drive This initiative is part of Oman's continuing efforts to redress irregular immigration status and rein in illegal residency. By waiving penalties, authorities aim to reduce undocumented labour and streamline legal employment flows. Market Regulation & Efficiency The program encourages commercial compliance and helps employers clear backlog issues. It is a follow-through from broader regulatory revisions implemented in late 2024 and early 2025 to stabilise the labour market. Who Should Act and How Expired work permit holders planning to stay and renew or transfer must apply via Ministry portals before July 31. Overstayers not seeking to remain should apply to exit Oman and finalize departure procedures before the deadline. Employers should actively support affected staff, especially long-term overstays to comply with Ministry conditions and avoid post-deadline fines. Applicants must not have any pending criminal cases; if so, they are excluded from the waivers. This grace period lasting until Thursday, July 31, 2025 represents a rare opportunity for expatriates and businesses in Oman to correct immigration status without facing financial or legal penalties. Beyond superficial compliance, authorities are using this window to reassert administrative order in their labour environment. Failing to act before the deadline will result in automatic overstay fines, which resume daily after expiry. Authorities emphasize that systems are now upgraded to support processing, but once the deadline passes, fines will be automatic and exemptions unavailable. For anyone living, working, or exiting Oman with expired visas, the message is clear: take action before the end of July to avoid penalties.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
Oman ends visa renewal grace period on July 31: Here's what you need to know
Oman's visa renewal grace period nears its July 31 deadline/Representative Image TL;DR: Oman 's grace period for visa and residency expiry ends on July 31, 2025. Eligible expatriates may renew or transfer visas without paying any fines.. Others planning to exit Oman permanently with expired non-work visas can also do so without penalties. Royal Oman Police (ROP) has upgraded its systems and clarified the scope—the exemption applies only to cases formally rectified through the Ministry. Affected individuals and employers must act before the deadline to avoid automatic fines or legal action. As of July 31, 2025, a deadline looms large for expatriates in Oman: the end of the visa and residency renewal grace period, which waives fines for those overstaying their permits. The Royal Oman Police (ROP) and the Ministry of Labour jointly announced that eligible foreign visitors and workers can either renew their status or exit the country without facing financial penalties, provided they initiate the process before the deadline and comply with stated conditions. After July 31, the exemption ends and regular fines and legal processes resume. What's Covered: The Rectification Scheme Explained Who Qualifies The grace period applies to two main groups: Expats renewing residency or transferring jobs within Oman. They can rectify expired work permits or residency cards without paying accumulated fines, as long as their status is regularised through the Ministry of Labour. Individuals exiting Oman permanently under non-work visas. These visitors may depart without fines if their visa status is confirmed and they are not subject to criminal proceedings. What Happens After July 31 Once the grace period ends, any foreigner whose visa or residence permit is still expired and has not rectified their status through official channels becomes liable for daily overstay fines, potential deportation, and travel bans. Those intending to work or remain in Oman must apply through proper Ministry procedures before the deadline. How It Works Applicants submit their case through the Ministry of Labour's online system. Status verification occurs within approximately one week. Once approved, fines are waived and the individual may renew, transfer jobs, or depart without outstanding financial obligations. Applications are processed via ROP and Ministry systems, which were upgraded specifically for this campaign. Official Advisories from Authorities Royal Oman Police ROP has publicly confirmed the fine waivers and urged eligible individuals and companies to act before the July 31 cut-off. Officials stressed that the amnesty is limited strictly to the outlined categories and does not apply to those involved in criminal violations. Ministry of Labour Muscat's labour authorities confirmed that the amnesty is part of a broader workforce regulation initiative. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Flat in Chattarpur South Delhi A D Infra Learn More Undo by Taboola by Taboola Starting February 1, 2025, employers and workers have a six-month window to settle expired permits, update worker records, or terminate employment under acceptable terms—without accumulating penalties. Why the Amnesty Matters Now Ministry Reform Drive This initiative is part of Oman's continuing efforts to redress irregular immigration status and rein in illegal residency. By waiving penalties, authorities aim to reduce undocumented labour and streamline legal employment flows. Market Regulation & Efficiency The program encourages commercial compliance and helps employers clear backlog issues. It is a follow-through from broader regulatory revisions implemented in late 2024 and early 2025 to stabilise the labour market. Who Should Act and How Expired work permit holders planning to stay and renew or transfer must apply via Ministry portals before July 31. Overstayers not seeking to remain should apply to exit Oman and finalize departure procedures before the deadline. Employers should actively support affected staff, especially long-term overstays to comply with Ministry conditions and avoid post-deadline fines. Applicants must not have any pending criminal cases; if so, they are excluded from the waivers. This grace period lasting until Thursday, July 31, 2025 represents a rare opportunity for expatriates and businesses in Oman to correct immigration status without facing financial or legal penalties. Beyond superficial compliance, authorities are using this window to reassert administrative order in their labour environment. Failing to act before the deadline will result in automatic overstay fines, which resume daily after expiry. Authorities emphasize that systems are now upgraded to support processing, but once the deadline passes, fines will be automatic and exemptions unavailable. For anyone living, working, or exiting Oman with expired visas, the message is clear: take action before the end of July to avoid penalties.
Observer
6 days ago
- Climate
- Observer
Caution advised as sea conditions change during Khareef
Muscat: As the Khareef season intensifies across Dhofar Governorate, the Royal Oman Police (ROP) reminds the public of turbulent sea conditions and rising wave levels along the southern coast during this period. The alert, shared as part of the ROP's safety campaign, highlights the elevated risks posed by unpredictable marine conditions during this period. Citizens and residents, particularly fishermen and seafarers, are urged to avoid venturing out to sea unless absolutely necessary. The ROP reiterated the importance of regularly following weather bulletins and adhering to maritime safety instructions issued by the relevant authorities. The warning follows observations of significant wave activity, which can pose serious threats to small boats and fishing vessels operating close to the shore. The Arabian Sea becomes particularly volatile during this period, with wave heights sometimes exceeding 3 metres, especially along the coasts of Salalah, Mirbat, and Taqah. These conditions are compounded by strong offshore winds, reduced visibility, and undercurrents that pose a danger not only to fishing boats but also to swimmers and beachgoers. Authorities have previously recorded several maritime accidents during the Khareef season, mostly due to negligence of weather warnings or inadequate safety equipment on boats. Its good to remember that three years back, a trip to Mughsail Beach in Salalah turned into a tragedy for one Indian family as they were swept away into the sea by strong currents. With the current Khareef season expected to peak in the coming weeks, the ROP has called for heightened vigilance and cooperation from the public, urging everyone to treat official warnings with the utmost seriousness
