indian expatriates and omani nationals

Dear Alanna,

I am not an Indian but an asian expat, and felt I should put down my thoughts anyway.

In the recent past, with Oman experiencing protests & strikes, it has brought about a certain amount of animosity towards the expatriates mainly because the Omani's feel that we have taken their jobs or that they are treated unfairly.

Having said that, I feel that this is not amongst ALL Omani's but only at a certain level. I have LOTS of Omani friends. We meet often and the topics of discussion over coffee lately has being this subject. I feel the intelligent Omani truly understands the need for expatriate workers in his/her country and they know WHY we are here. They embrace our sweat and feel we are giving equally to the development of Oman. They also understand that most of us have sacrificed our family, relatives & friends and familiar safer surroundings back home, to come to Oman, to not only earn but to also contribute to the ever changing dynamism of evolving development in this country. We cannot stay in Oman forever. We are not citizens of this country, but we are treated that way by the majority.

Sadly, just a very few minor incidents caused by misguided Omani youth the past month is putting a dent in to this wonderful relationship between the Omani + Expat. It does not necessarily have to be with the "Indians" alone. These very few are taunting and harassing the expats, in order to make their voices heard. Most of these incidents have not gone unnoticed by the expat, but thankfully the intelligent Omanis have not joined this sorry-bandwagon as they have more important issues to deal with and bigger battles to fight.

Personally I feel that these are a few minor incidents which should not worry us unduly. But we must also bear in mind that this is NOT our country and we should treat the nationals with understanding & respect in the workplace. Unfortunately some "Indian" Managers try to bulldoze their weight too much and this makes them very unpopular. One must realize and fully understand that the pace we work and the pace the nationals work are different and we should leave some leverage for them. Always keep in mind that we are in THEIR territory. Don't bite the hand that feeds you.

Stay safe. Be happy. Don't worry!

:-))

Thankyou very much Tanii for your reply, it was very helpful, i was also wondering this for my university research purposes as an undergraduate.
So generally speaking most Omani nationals realise that expatriates have helped the development of Oman and are detrimental to their economy. There are a few incidents and feelings of animosity but intelligent omanis have a good relationship with expatriates.
When i visited Oman many Asians seemed to have lower sector jobs and construction type work, with most Omani nationals in high sector jobs, is there any feelings that Omanis are better than indian expatriates and wont take these jobs, as there is increasing unemployment for Omanis, which the government have attempted to deal with. Have certain jobs become racialised?
Also there is a youth boom in the gulf, with more younger people needing jobs will views that 'expatriates are taking our jobs' increase?
Indians have appeared to become settled with many indian schools and clubs, creating a community, do you think that Indians have intergrated well within Oman?
thasnks for your time,
regards

i am omani.... i dont hv any problm with indians , they same my brothers


oman and india hv big history

Dear Tanii and Alanna thanks for your vıews about Oman current sıtuatıon and wonderful wonderful conversatıon. as a Indıan I spent my more than 20yrs ın Oman ıt was very good untıll thıs sıtuatıon really wonderful country wıth Great Head of the dept.

Hi All Friends Can you please update the current situation there in Oman for Indians. I am considering one job offer there. Is it safe to move with my family?