Job Discussion Forums

[steppy-boy]

Hi Everyone,

I don't know if you have heard or not, but please, DON'T COME TO SOHAR!!!

The accommodation sitiuation is critical and out of control. In the past 6 months, rents have risen over 300 or even 400%. Last year, a three bedroom apartment would have cost 80 Omani rials per month. Now, rapacious landlords are asking for 350 to 400 Omani Rials!!

Teachers here are very insecure and worried as they expect to be kicked out of their apartments or villas at any time.

The problem is the new Port they are building about 40 kms from Sohar, as well as the Gas Refinery and Desalination Plant and several other industrial plants, including a proposed airport. Large multinational companies can afford to pay outrageous rents, which affects the rental situation negatively here. Supply can't keep up with demand.


There just isn't enough accommodation and rents are continuing to rise as we speak. It is expected that the average teacher will eventually pay up to 50% of his or her salary simply in rent in the near future.


The situation is outrageous and very upsetting for nearly all the teachers currently in Sohar.

PLEASE DON'T COME TO SOHAR!!! You will simply not be able to find decent and affordable acccommodation!!!


Steppy-boy.

[Boy Wonder]

I came to Sohar and stayed ..... for a day!

The Ministry of Higher Education really should get its act together and ensure all its teachers be provided with affordable accommodation.

Why they didnt lease a block somewhere near the city is a mystery...surely even the Ministry could have foreseen the problem or maybe they just dont care!

Anyway my life is complicated enough without having to be in competition with other teachers for flats where the rent is obscenely high....i mean Sohar is hardly Malibu is it.

My feelings go out to those i met briefly and then left behind. They seemed like a good bunch of people and do not deserve this nonsense.