Checks on a massive scale have been conducted of late across Muscat governorate. The ROP has advised that keeping residence card at hand will speed up the inspection process.

'Many peoplea majority of them Asians - were rounded up following the recent crackdown across the governorate. 'Most Labour Law violators were employed in sales marketing and retail. A large number of illegal workers mainly men were employed in the agricultural sector. 'Housemaids who have run away from their employers' homes were also picked up' an MoM official said. A major check was conducted at a retail outlet in Seeb.

'The checking which began in the morning continued till afternoon' an employee of the retail chain told Muscat Daily requesting anonymity. A Ruwi resident said 'Authorities conducted raid on a building near Ruwi police station last week following a tip-off on Asian expats engaging in immoral activities.'

Police have asked residents and citizens to keep their residence and identity cards ready. 'The residence card helps complete the inspection faster' the MoM official said about the ROP's directive. Inspection teams are also visiting labour camps. 'A team was at our camp in Ghala a few days ago' said Anil Kumar a welder at the camp.