Muscat – In a recent crackdown on non-compliant labour service providers, the Directorate General of Consumer Protection in North Batinah governorate won a significant legal victory. The Sohar Primary Court convicted a labour recruitment office for improper service delivery and functioning without a licence.

The case came to light when a consumer entered into a contract with a labour recruitment office for RO1,300, of which an advance payment of RO500 was made. However, the office reneged on its obligations, failing to supply the promised labourer. Only RO200 were returned to the customer, with the office refusing to refund the remaining RO300.

The consumer subsequently discovered the office was operating without a valid licence. Upon lodging a complaint with the directorate, swift action ensued.

Following a thorough investigation, the case was forwarded to the Public Prosecution and subsequently taken to court. The judicial ruling has resulted in a RO400 fine levied against the unlicensed labour recruitment office.