MEA rubbishes reports of Oman laying off Indians
New Delhi/IBNS: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday clarified reports that said the gulf kingdom of Oman has ordered all state-owned companies to fire all expat workers, adding that Muscat has assured to extend the visa of all Indians working in the country.
“Much of what we see is propaganda, the real picture is different. PM Narendra Modi and EAM S Jaishankar are in touch with the leaders, during these discussions requests were made by the countries for sending teams and medicines. There's also request to send doctors,” the MEA said on rumoured strained relations between India and Gulf nations.
Reports said Oman's guidelines were directed at state-run companies to lay a path for the indigenisation of its workforce and was not particularly directed at Indian workers as claimed in a section of the media.
The move will not affect the private companies where a major chunk of the Indian expats in that country are employed.
“I just spelt out they value relations with India, they value the role which the diaspora has played as far as the government of Oman goes, they provided free testing and food to Indians. The government of Oman also assured extension of visas,” the MEA added on India’s relations with Oman and reports of selective layoffs.
How it all started:
According to reports, several fake Twitter handles of prominent Arab individuals, allegedly run by Pakistanis, were used to promote anti-India narrative on its handling of coronavirus, said a Times Now report.
A similar Twitter account, impersonating Omani Princess Mona bin Fahd al Said went viral for its strong anti-India comments.
“Oman stands with its Muslim brothers and sisters in India. If the Indian Govt doesn't stop the persecution of Muslims, then 1 million workers living in Oman may be expelled. I will definitely take up this issue with the Sultan of Oman,” the controversial tweet from the Pakistani parody account, the report added.
However, Princess Mona promptly clarified that the malicious Twitter account was not hers when the issue was brought to her notice.
“Friends, First of all, I thank you for your concern to verify the offensive post published through an account impersonating me, which you are sure that I have no connection with it. With full trust in all of you in strengthening awareness among all regarding such activities, which are not acceptable to the Omani society, I confirm again that my presence in social media is restricted on the following accounts: @hhmonaalsaid and @MonaFahad 13." Prince Mona said in the statement, the report informed.
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