tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2368053937631641478.post7751740096489386676..comments2024-03-28T10:02:52.822+04:00Comments on [MM] Muscat Mutterings: How long have you been in Oman?Sythehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09864800112417099664noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2368053937631641478.post-10941227019368438262015-06-12T16:43:00.994+04:002015-06-12T16:43:00.994+04:00I assumed the survey link would be up on this page...I assumed the survey link would be up on this page but I can't find it? Am I missing something because I am browsing on my phone?<br /><br />Amnanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2368053937631641478.post-22474436592822610432015-06-10T09:27:00.039+04:002015-06-10T09:27:00.039+04:00I'm a foreigner with my own company here. I fe...I'm a foreigner with my own company here. I fell in love with Oman in 2008 and decided to make my home here. But now the atmosphere has changed. The warmth, generosity and hospitality are long gone. I am constantly reminded by casual remarks and little digs that expats are no longer welcome--by my own Omani friends! (Obviously they say it doesn't apply to me! Ha!) <br /><br />And I don't really understand why Oman says it wants foreign investment when this clearly isn't the case. I have a small company, and it runs, but there is no question of expanding or growing in any way. It's simply not possible to successfully run a small business (with inventory and customer service) here, period. I've been blocked at every turn. And I do still have (after 20 years) a successful business in my native city--a city that is known to be competitive and difficult. So it's not that I'm clueless. <br /><br />Ok people, looks like you are going to get your wish. <br />Plenty of us are now leaving--me too.<br />Oman is in my eyes and my heart, but no way I would stay where I'm not wanted. <br />My Omani friends can come visit me in my own country.<br /><br />I'm sure Oman will make a much better country without all the expats. <br />I hear we are the cause of all your problems. No doubt!<br /><br />Good luck to you. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2368053937631641478.post-59745525094145187582015-06-09T17:01:58.220+04:002015-06-09T17:01:58.220+04:00Wow i am mix between a expat brat a camel and some...Wow i am mix between a expat brat a camel and somewhere in between. I love oman and have done 2 stints here of over 10 years each 1985 - 1996 and 2004 - current. One as a kid growing up and going to school and now as a business owner. <br /><br />They have been 2 different eras and i cant say one is better than the other. But the way things are going its tough to be an expat business owner investing in Oman and seeing a long term goal. All i can say is teh counry is blessed to have a great ruler in HM Sultan qaboos and i pray his reign is long and prosperous. <br /><br />Its a country i love and for themost part has very friendly, helpful, welcoming people. Yes times have changed and the above statement may not apply to all people. But i beleive for any country to grow and develop they need to have their nationals step up and this has to happen at all levels in a controlled manner.Hunaidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06704389629096941368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2368053937631641478.post-3584718988927253182015-06-09T16:44:30.940+04:002015-06-09T16:44:30.940+04:00Loved the name Expat Brat & Camel..since Im bi...Loved the name Expat Brat & Camel..since Im bit of both, I find your article so apt. For us who has lived here long enough, you can take us out of Oman but you cant take Oman out of us. We keep coming back to this place which along with being rich in heritage & culture, keeps us grounded. <br />Its going to be a long long time that I would ever move out of this people. Hope the current situations for the expat community with all the rules and regulations towards them improves. Its a beautiful place.Maverick Hearthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16825925129439797700noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2368053937631641478.post-48651648890436454112015-06-09T16:42:50.510+04:002015-06-09T16:42:50.510+04:00Loved the name Expat Brat & Camel..since Im bi...Loved the name Expat Brat & Camel..since Im bit of both, I find your article so apt. For us who has lived here long enough, you can take us out of Oman but you cant take Oman out of us. We keep coming back to this place which along with being rich in heritage & culture, keeps us grounded. <br />Its going to be a long long time that I would ever move out of this people. Hope the curre t situations for the expat community with all the rules and regulations towards them improves. Its a beautiful placrMaverick Hearthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16825925129439797700noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2368053937631641478.post-82046755757823702782015-06-09T16:03:29.987+04:002015-06-09T16:03:29.987+04:00I, along with some of my good friends, am an expat...I, along with some of my good friends, am an expat brat, and there's more to it. We tend to somehow bounce back to Oman wherever we try to go to set up base. By now, I'm guessing that our hearts say, this is home...<br />But, on a very personal note, I would like to mention my current state of mind. You have mentioned a category of citizens towards the end of the article, who are looking for ways to shift base asap. It saddens me to confess that I also belong to that category (if you might consider making that a new category alltogether). No offence, and we totally understand the priority that must definitely be given to the nationals of any country, May it be in education, employment or the like. But, the obvious misunderstandings and/or sudden turn of affairs for (obviously) the worst for most of us expats, have made many of us lose our in-built confidence about the overall economy and mostly, our sense of security in many aspects. It truly is disheartening. But again, as is the scenario in your country, my country or any other country, Omanis must be given priority on their own land. I have never personally crossed paths with any expatriate in the country having any ill feelings towards any national. On an entirety, I would always tag the nationals of Oman are undoubtedly one of the most generous and kindest in the world. <br />Cheers! :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2368053937631641478.post-24771179090187474592015-06-09T13:49:07.774+04:002015-06-09T13:49:07.774+04:00Great post Mr. Sythe. Im a fusion of category 3 an...Great post Mr. Sythe. Im a fusion of category 3 and 4(i guess). Been here for all but 4 years my life(29 years). Do not know much about my country of origin exept for the 4 years that i was sent to study there to get an understanding of how and why we function the way we do. My folks have been here for over 35 years. Kind of sad that they do not have a clearcut policy with regards to obtaining citizenship. Although im not sure if the citizenship is that appealing to expats of the camel category anymore.<br />Great posts as always and thanks for doing them.<br />Cheers!!Inrab70https://www.blogger.com/profile/10772879748281462188noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2368053937631641478.post-11995802143028324612015-06-09T07:33:09.622+04:002015-06-09T07:33:09.622+04:00Been here for 2 years and just renewed my visa, I ...Been here for 2 years and just renewed my visa, I love the country and its beautiful people, however I seem to be a cross between a camel and a contract worker. Hubby has a business here that is getting tougher day by day due to the visa regulations and may have to shut shop and go over to Dubai, I land of opportunities where expats are always welcome. Great post Mr. Sythe!egandhihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15302607407864153456noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2368053937631641478.post-25312038465495173522015-06-08T20:50:25.084+04:002015-06-08T20:50:25.084+04:00Almost 8! It's funny the name of The Carmel Ha...Almost 8! It's funny the name of The Carmel Hahaha. Chress Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2368053937631641478.post-2258995473949062452015-06-08T19:59:53.728+04:002015-06-08T19:59:53.728+04:007 years and Husbands contract just renewed for a f...7 years and Husbands contract just renewed for a further 4 years ! Inshallah . The children they want to stay forever if they can ! Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2368053937631641478.post-39531663584786751212015-06-08T16:54:45.818+04:002015-06-08T16:54:45.818+04:00I'm in my 8th year here and I love it howere I...I'm in my 8th year here and I love it howere I chose to leave a good job for personal reasons and have a 6 month break from work fully expecting to go back with no issues. Unfortunately during this time the ban on female visas in certain positions came in and I haven't been able to work since early 2014. <br />I would love to stay here longer, my husband has a very secure job but if I am not able to work soon I can see us leaving. 😞Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2368053937631641478.post-83031268964816703302015-06-08T15:59:11.618+04:002015-06-08T15:59:11.618+04:00Lived all my life in Oman! Did my schooling and my...Lived all my life in Oman! Did my schooling and my college here and now working here as well.<br /><br />Father got his nationality. Unfortunately, None of the other family members got the red passport. <br /><br />My friends from other countries usually have this shocked expression when i tell them of our situation.Expat Bratnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2368053937631641478.post-64472477183527405412015-06-08T14:40:11.721+04:002015-06-08T14:40:11.721+04:00
I believe this theory and found to be true mostly...<br />I believe this theory and found to be true mostly among those I know..anybody who wants to renew his visa for the first time after two years is going to stay here for long...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2368053937631641478.post-30352118496875123622015-06-08T14:16:29.810+04:002015-06-08T14:16:29.810+04:00I am in the same boat, I have been here over 6 yea...I am in the same boat, I have been here over 6 years. My OH cannot change job as she cannot get an NOC. So we are also off. I am sure Oman will be crying out for expertise in a few years but will probably blame the expats still there on their woes. <br />Head in the sand stuff here.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2368053937631641478.post-15792976720752672012015-06-08T12:46:44.299+04:002015-06-08T12:46:44.299+04:00Have been here for 24 years. Leaving in a couple o...Have been here for 24 years. Leaving in a couple of months, got a new job in a new country. When a country tells you often enough it doesn't want you there you can't help but listen!<br />Mas Salamah!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2368053937631641478.post-24028526940998334002015-06-08T12:16:32.301+04:002015-06-08T12:16:32.301+04:00Veteran camel. True, but not a very flattering cat...Veteran camel. True, but not a very flattering category name.FatSuhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08446069156941886813noreply@blogger.com