You've Got To Love Oman! by Vaishnav Ramesh

Everyone loves going places – Don’t we? it is indeed always exciting when you’re packing your bags to leave to a new country – be it a holiday, a temporary stay or a permanent move – whatever it is, it is quite an experience. Certainly, I was excited. It’s not like I’ve been living off my bags but then I would, I really would – no matter how tiring it is! That’s probably one of the main reasons I chose Sales & Marketing to be my career with the hope I travel extensively, as much as I want to.

“But hold on! Before I go any further – I must thank my friend for giving me the heads-up to write on how I feel being a newbie in Oman”. So, well this is how it all started – Sometime late last year I felt I needed a career shift, a role change and a role filled with more challenges. It was just about myself and not my employer! As i started my job hunt, my priority was to move outside India for the experience and Middle East being close to home was undoubtedly my first option. To be honest, the only place in my mind was Dubai (you know the exuberant luxurious life you live there, provided you make that kind of money!) Everyone wants to be there, all of us!

While I approached one of my old friends/colleagues/business contact little did I know Oman was in store. And mid December just when I thought my job hunt was reaching nowhere I get this call “Hey Vaish, we are expanding in Oman and I was thinking of you as a suitable candidate. Would you be interested? If yes, let’s meet up and discuss”. I was obviously excited thinking of going to a new place and to be part of a business that’s just setting up. It’s those typical dream of guys building their own start up – I was in this phase but I atleast got a chance to be part of a start-up though not my own. But my only hindrance then was – “Oh, no! Wait.. I wanted to move to Dubai but now Oman.. Umm.. Should I? Should I not? “

After a point though not fully convinced (because I wanted to move to Dubai) I started looking up about Oman on the internet. Trust me I had no god damn idea about Oman but thanks to friends, relatives etc etc who are spread all over started giving me a picture about Oman. Some said it’s a great place to be at, some said it’s okay, a couple of them said – NO! Man’s brain is such that even if a 100 people say good, what stays in our head is 2 people saying something negative about the place. But overall I got some very good responses and everything about Oman on the internet was nice – articles about people, the place, things to do and in general the place as such.

My thoughts about Oman, based on what I heard and read – I had the belief that it’s a place to look forward to, though not as outgoing as Dubai yet a country with friendly people and a well balanced life. So, finally having lived here for just above 6 months this is what I’ve to say about Ohhh maannnn (Oman) -

Friendly Souls

Just after I landed the first thing I noticed about Oman is this! The airport staff welcomes every passenger with a smile, literally. I had some mess up with my passport but these guys dealt with it so well and they treat everyone with so much respect. That was the start and I knew, Man! this place is good! I was a little bogged down with such a small airport but hey – the new Muscat International Airport is coming up next year! 

The roads!

This is one point all of us love about the Gulf Countries. A 4-6 lane road and with good speed limits, boy the roads gave me that initial excitement. With cheap fuel prices you’re free to drive as much as you want and wherever you want at any given time.

Society 

Let me admit that I was wondering how active social life is going to be in Oman. Though I had my hopes of building my own circle here I still had my own doubts. But over 6 months the circle is building and society is definitely friendly – Omanis, Indians, Srilankans, Expats All nationals are friendly! Simply put, mankind is pretty sweet here and restores faith in humanity. More on this coming up, soon!

Culture

A very sweet, friendly, human culture. A society that believes in rich historical traditional values and the best of all is the similarity of family bonding. Family values of Omanis are extremely high which is quite similar to the Indian tradition (I understand there might be different cultures similar to this). I don’t mean offense to other culture’s just because I haven’t mentioned it here.

Racism Free

No offense to anyone but many think going to one of the Gulf Countries is going to land up in problems and you’ll have to face racism. But as far as my experience goes, there is no racism and one of the friendliest places I’ve been too. I might come across a lot more but as on date Oman tops the list and is definitely one of the most friendliest.

Landscapes and natural beauty

Ups, downs and curves meeting the ocean. One might wonder Oman is all about just endless deserts considering it’s the Middle East. But this place surprises with you some lovely landscapes and natural beauty. It’s really something for one to experience that leaves you jaw dropped!

Work-life Balance – Easy Steady and at Peace

This is what I love about this place. Everyone is calm, at ease and at a steady pace. The best way I could put it is – well balanced! If you’re talking work-life balance this place has given it to me.

Nightlife

I got to be honest here – This is no Dubai, Sin City – Vegas or Amsterdam but you definitely have a few places to unwind yourself. Over time as you build your own circle of friends all the parties and fun you want will happen!

Patriotism – At it’s peak! 

I must admit I love my country, I love India and home is where I would want to go back. Having said that I must say I’m quite astonished and been having the “WOW” moments looking at Oman celebrate National Day. It’s not a day’s celebration, it’s more a like a week celebration, or even more. It’s like they won a soccer world cup or won against a rival. Color lights, decoration everywhere, rallies everywhere and the best of all – cars with stickers of the national flag and Sultan’s photo. This country has shown me the love people can have for a country and their marvelous leader – His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said. Total Respect!!!

Don’t be surprised if with time I write more about Oman. If ever you get the chance to visit Oman, please do and we’ll be glad to welcome you!

By: Vaishnav Ramesh

all images courtesy for Vaishnav

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SHOW ME THE MONEY -by kay G of Bladeconomics

You know the apocalypse is very near when I am writing about taxation and economics.

Now, what prompted this post is Taxation on expat remittances in Oman here.

Tax is one of the very few aspects of life which are certain alongside death according to the well known saying. However Middle East is an exception. For ages, people have earned tax free income in this region.

Foremost, any regulation, not just in the area of taxes, in Oman or Middle East in general, is a good idea according to me and differential taxation for nationals and expatriates is normal in most countries. There are many unregulated areas in every stratum of life in Oman. This affects and benefits everyone in some way but laws and regulations, when fair, are the best way to bring about standardization and equivalence.   A microscopic example would be- I required an NOC from ROP for some paperwork. While there have never been any surprises in what the ROP itself would charge, the charges to just “apply” to the ROP for such an NOC varies from one organization/ person to another varies from zero to OMR150. There is no receipt, or even if there is, it is just as per the whims of the private organization. The lawlessness can amaze you at times.  Regulations and standardization of rules, fees, and charges are great way to put a check to this. The unfortunate thing however would be when regulations are made only for a section of the society.

If taxation is the way to go, then a full fledged tax system with proper administration is the answer:-

•  Tax will put a check on corruption and black money (enough said). Preventive regulation is better than decades later, go policing around and investigating anti-graft cases in which many who also made hay would have escaped.

• A slab based taxation system that are appropriate for people of different levels of income will reduce the burden that a flat taxation rate will on the low income groups. This is also vaguely in line with Islamic laws on taxation’s perspective. “Islamic taxation system does not tax income, but taxes wealth.”
• Also a taxation system on expats will probably bring in the opinion that the expats are giving back something to the resident country and not just their home country and help contest similar points that are attributed as merits of nationalization.

Now the issue in light is that Oman has proposed to levy taxes on remittances by expats as one of the many measures to minimize its expected deficit due to fall in oil prices.

A small fact of pride here is that while one part of the world plans to meet its fiscal deficit by taxing remittances by expat workforce (rumoured that UAE is also considering the same), for the world’s largest recipient of remittances – India (US$ 71 Bn, 2013), the aggregate of annual remittances, not merely a tax % on it, amounts to only a fraction, less than 3.3% of the India’s GDP (US$ 1.8 Trillion) in 2013. And only 0.42% of the GDP of the second largest recipient of worker’s remittances- China.

Off tangent trivia, random statistics of unemployment rates in the aforementioned countries- India – 5.2%, Oman- 15%, China – 4.1%.(2013 figures, Tradingeconomics.com) . Also, neither of the developing super powers do great favours for the unemployed, just saying.

Nevertheless, though remittances may not help the home countries significantly at a macro level, they are very important at the welfare/ micro-economic level. (Discussed again later). Especially for countries like Bangladesh or Philippines. More so, since these countries do not have great perks for their unemployed or poor and they have greater purchasing power in comparison to Oman, such remittances go a long way for those back home.

In recent times very stringent regulations have been imposed on jobs for expatriates such as differential pay structures for expats, visa restrictions etc. None of this actually contributes to “job creation” in the market. It is still the same old jobs now empty. For a country that relies heavily on hydrocarbon revenues, that are not only exhaustible and volatile, taxing remittances is a short-term remedy considering all expats are fast losing their jobs anyway and this measure won’t contribute much to developing the country in the long run. And despite the government’s efforts to create employment and one section of the local community working very hard or taking up entrepreneurship, choosy youngsters declining the new opportunities that are available has added on to inadequacy in the job market.

Coming back to the topic, how much and for how long can an economy rely on remittances made by people who have as it is come out of their home country to make a living, to patch a fiscal deficit?

I remember being asked at an internship to collect data on the percentage share of each local bank in the national “fees or commission charged by banks on remittances”.

I only realized the data on remittances is too little to warrant conclusions, but it is sensible to assume that at some point taxation on remittances is inevitable. At a global level, volumes of remittances exceed ODAs and FDIs. “Around 12 percent of global remittances came from the six Gulf countries last year, with nearly half of this going to India.”

Remittances flow to developing countries. http://www.ifad.org

But going back to the micro economic implications, say, from an NRI (Non Resident Indian)standpoint,

• One hand a home country that has differential laws for all things NRI is a burden. Laws for NRIs are always framed assuming they are probably minting money abroad. They do not consider that a huge section of the NRI community are workforce that can neither afford to make their children afford college abroad nor pay NRI fee-structure in colleges in India.
• Also recently CBEC (India) issued a circular for levying Service tax on the “fees or commissions charged by banks”, which again will be passed on to remitters.
• Apart from altruistic motives behind remittances (which is the case for most of the low income work force), taxing remittances also affects those remittances made for self interest. E.g.: Fixed Deposits in India offer interest rates at 9% for residents as compared to less than 2% in FDs in the Middle East. This actually justifies repatriation for the fact that,despite the lack of job opportunities, differential remuneration, holidays, and other benefits, the hard earned income by NRIs cannot stay inside the country with little opportunities for investment

In conclusion, laws and regulations, when fair and effective, help any kind of economy. Selectively taxing only remittances will only slightly inconvenience expats in the short term, lead to illegal transfers or change form (gold, etc). From the standalone perspective on taxing remittances- it is fair for all the merits to its case- for money going out is of no use to Oman and also for the lifestyle one gets here. But this question is on the motive behind such move – How long can a developing economy depend on such income?

A fair system of taxation for all will bring in revenues for the government; however will require a robust administration system. Most Middle East countries do not have independent institutions to handle taxation, instead have a treasury department. Formation of a body may be easy but administration of tax collection is a huge arena that requires experience.

The difference between new and experienced countries in the taxation or any legal regulatory arena is like parents with their first child Vs. Parents with their second and subsequent children. The first child is subject to curfews and rules of all kinds whereas the other kids have the luck of experienced parents who are aware of their children’s wishes despite their disapproval and can parent them with the understanding that out-and-out prohibition will only lead to them finding illegal ways to get what they want. Oman belonging to the former employs out and out prohibition in so many areas- simple example being VOIP/ free speech, etc.

A more intelligent way of administration would be to capitalize the situation or using it to their advantages than imposing regulations that do not achieve any objective in the long run – Be it welfare or Revenue.

Disclaimer: It’s the intention of this blog to stay in total compliance with the laws of the Sultanate of Oman. Any view that it is not so is due to an incorrect interpretation of the contents of the blog. Comments on the blog are the views of the person writing the comment and not the opinion of the blog or its author. Should an individual/organization wish that any content or comment be modified or removed, it will be considered at once. Contact by Email at : bladenomics@gmail.com Or twitter : @bladenomics.

Honorary Omani.. by Vidya Ramaswamy

As I write this, I'm in my country, India for the Eid holidays. Yes, some of us have to work on vacation. The radio is on (hey, women can multitask!) and they're saying something about Oman. I'm deep in thought trying to come up with the contents for this article.

Wait a minute! I'm in India. Why are they talking about Oman on the radio?!?

I immediately tune into what's going on. The caller is telling the RJ about her recent vacation to Oman. She’s gushing about how Oman is a gorgeous country, and how her family enjoyed shopping and scuba diving and exploring the natural beauty of the country. In a matter of minutes, I felt my heart inexplicably swell with pride.

Such is the effect of Oman on me. To Oman, I am merely a foreigner, an "expat". But to me, Oman is home. I've spent a quarter of a century growing up in a country that is not mine, and yet I've never felt like an outsider. When anyone asks me where I'm from, my kneejerk reaction is to say Oman! And then I wait eagerly, hoping that I'll be asked - "Oman?"

Jackpot.

Yes! Oman. It's in the Middle East. Next to Dubai. No, not Amman! That's in Jordan. It's Oman. The Sultanate of Oman. Yup, there's a King. A Sultan. His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said. He's awesome! Yeah, it's a Muslim country. No, I'm not Muslim. So what? Do you know there's a roundabout in Darsait where there's a temple, a church and a mosque within walking distance of each other? How freaking cool is that?! (Speaking of roundabouts, does anyone else miss them or is it just me? I know driving around them was a pain but they always looked so pretty! But I digress.)

Long story short, one of my favourite pastimes is to introduce Oman to new people. I don't know why but I'm always thrilled to do so.

That's why it hurts me when some of the expats here complain about Oman. I admit I've done it too. Boo Omanization. Boo lack of public transport. Boo the heat. But then why are we here? Perhaps the amazingly clean roads, the hospitality of the locals or the comfortable, laidback lifestyle?

JFK very famously said "ask not what the country can do for you, ask what you can do for the country".

So this National Day, I would like all expats to focus on why you choose to be here. Even if your sole reason is that magical 25 bz packet of Pofak. (25 bz!! Incredible, right? Sometimes that’s how I make purchasing decisions - if the item(s) in question is worth losing out on all that Pofak! Please don’t judge.) But whatever your reason, take this opportunity to celebrate Oman and embrace it.

And I would like all Omanis to kindly give us the status of being Honorary Omanis while we spend some part of our lives in your beautiful country. We love Oman and we are grateful to you for sharing your home with us.

As for me, I can't wait to head back to Oman. When I step off the airplane at Seeb Airport and feel the thick hot air hit my face, that's when I know .. I'm home.

- Written by Vidya Ramaswamy (an Indian by birth, an Honorary Omani by heart)

(Vidya is a member of the Community Writing Team for 'Muscat-Where Can I Find' - Oman's BEST Community information hub. Using the Community to help you find what you are looking for in Muscat.)

Energy Boosting Foods.... by Tasmia Sayed

 Have you ever wondered who shut off your energy supply and replaced it with the urge to carbo load in winters. We start napping more, drinking more coffee, indulging in fried and sweet foods, have a hard time getting to the gym.

Lets first see why this change happens. In winters there is decreased activity of serotonin a mood enhancing chemical which regulates hunger and the feeling of well being. The effect of this chemical is further aggravated by high stress levels in our daily life. All this leads to low energy levels .Invariably lower the energy the more food will you crave. Many kinds of carbohydrates like pasta, candy, and cereal can produce temporary increase in serotonin. But it is a strict no-no as these foods can hamper your diet. Moreover a crash after this temporary high can make you feel even worse than before the buzz began.

Thankfully there are some easy to find healthy super foods that you can eat to battle back the winter blues.

Flax seeds:

Studies have been carried out University of Pittsburgh Medical Centre which have shown flax seeds have numerous health benefits possibly influencing your moods. Being a good source of fibre it keeps you feeling full and also energised longer. Experts at Maryland University recommend 1- 3 tbsp which can be sprinkled on soup or in your cereals, salads, on toast or in yoghurt.

Berries:

 

Berries can be an important tool in your bag when stress hits. Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries have high levels of antioxidant known as anthocyanin and have also been linked to lowering cortisol. During stressful situations, cortisol leads your hipocampus a major portion of your brain that stores memories and provides emotional responses. In short berries may help you keep your head straight. (Lang 2012, Cornell Chronicle)

 

Bananas:

 Bananas contain tryptophan, good source of natural sugars and potassium which help fuel your brain. (Homberg 2013, Cambridge Journal). Another key ingredient is magnesium which has been shown to improve sleep and reduce anxiety. Two indications which leads to faulty eating habits.

Chamomile Tea:

Chamomile tea is one of the most recommended bed time soothers. It helps to boost your immune system, calm nausea and also ease digestive pain and discomfort. In the cold weather it will give you that wonderful feeling of holding a mug of tea as you sit in a quiet spot before bed.

Leafy Greens:

Leafy greens like kale, spinach, swiss chard, turnip, greens, parsley, spinach, broccoli, lettuce are good source of folate and vitamin b6. Folate is required for synthesis of neurotransmitters that control most of your body function including moods and emotion. According to Linus Pauling Institute vitamin b6 aids in converting tryptophan into serotonin that helps us feel calm and content. When cooking go easy on them to preserve its nutritive value. Steaming leafy greens in a colorful stir fry is a good option for this cold weather.

Coffee and tea are popular drinks on cold winter days and generally people don't drink enough water, which could lead to dehydration. Water boosts our physical fitness and vitality all year around. Try sipping some water when you are flabbergasted it could prevent you from consuming large portion sizes of food.

Sticking to your regular exercise regimen is a little difficult in winters. But if you can force yourself to start, 15 to 20 minutes of dancing to the radio or brisk walking which can increase brain serotonin function

A better energy level will invariably produce a better mood, since your brain uses energy as a communication molecule to produce neurotransmitters. The above energetic suggestions are based on the unique stress that colder and darker days pose to your mood and metabolism.

Enjoy the winter!

Tasmia Sayed

Clinical dietician

(I am an Accredited Dietitian, and Certified diabetes Educator from the American Diabetes Education. I am passionate about debunking diet rumours, myths and fads while teaching people how to eat real , healthy foods in a manner that is scientifically proven to prevent disease and increase health.  I  have successfully catered patients to reach their dream weight and fight diseases like diabetes, PCOS, cardiac problems, hypertension, weight gain and thyroid related disorders.  With my clinical expertise I can help you RECLAIM the long lost connection with food, so you can ATTAIN the perfect fit body you always wanted to have.  You can get in touch with me: tasmiasayed89@gmail.com / +968 96735985)