News Rewind: Expatriates sending more money home from Oman

There was plenty happening in Oman this past week. Here's a look at our five most read stories, with our weekly News Rewind:
 

The expat community in Oman has sent nearly OMR1 billion back to their home countries in the past five years, according to data released by the Central Bank of Oman. There has been an increase of about 30% in the amount of money sent outside Oman in that period, despite an economic slowdown in the country, and a reduction in the number of expats working here.

Some 800 stranded expat workers in Sohar, who had not been paid their salary for months, would be given NOCs an official from the company has said. This, after the workers had complained to the Indian embassy in Oman about close to being kicked out of their lodging, and being forced to survive on basic white rice because of non-payment of salaries. The embassy is working with the Ministry of Manpower to help the workers secure other jobs in the country.

One hundred Asian and African women were arrested by the Royal Oman Police (ROP) on charges of prostitution. Police say the women were caught soliciting customers in Muscat's Al Khuwair area, and that 35 of the women were in violation of resident and labour laws.

The ROP have also called on landlords in Oman to help stamp out prostitution in the country, by double checking who they rent their properties to. Police also warned residents not to solicit for the sake of their health and to avoid legal repercussions.

Finally, a bus travelling from Salalah to Muscat overturned near Nizwa, injuring 25 people. Four of them were seriously injured, and were rushed to hospitals. The Department of Blood Bank services also appealed to residents to donate blood after the accident.