MUSCAT – In a statement issued, the Consumer Protection Authority (CPA) explained that the establishment failed to fulfil its contractual obligations to consumers seeking domestic worker recruitment services. Among the violations were procrastination in providing workers, failure to refund amounts paid, issuing invoices not written in Arabic, and supplying workers who did not meet agreed specifications.

The CPA’s Directorate General in North Al Batinah Governorate learnt that the consumers had entered into agreements with the office, only to find that recruitment procedures were not completed as promised. The office reportedly delayed services and failed to meet the conditions outlined in the contracts, in direct violation of Article 39, in reference to Article 23, of the Consumer Protection Law.

The law stipulates that “The supplier shall be obligated to provide the service to the consumer properly and in accordance with its nature, and shall also guarantee the service provided for a period of time commensurate with its nature. In the event of breach, the supplier shall be obliged to refund the value of the service, or provide compensation to cover the deficiency, or re-perform the service properly, in the manner specified by the regulations.”

The CPA indicated that the cases were referred to the Public Prosecution after thorough investigation. The Public Prosecution then transferred the cases to court, where the establishment and its representative were convicted. The court sentenced them to imprisonment terms ranging from one to two months and imposed a total fine of RO 3,560, for failing to provide the service properly and failing to deliver invoices written in Arabic.

The Consumer Protection Authority affirms its keenness to enforce market regulations and calls upon all institutions and companies to fully comply with the provisions of laws and regulations. It further emphasises that it will take legal action against anyone found in violation, in order to safeguard consumer rights.