TIP, VISAS TOP LIST OF NEW OMANI CHAMBER OF

UNCLAS MUSCAT 000788

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

STATE FOR NEA/ARP, EEB/CBA, G/TIP
COMMERCE FOR COBERG

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ECON PREL PHUM ETRD MU
SUBJECT: TIP, VISAS TOP LIST OF NEW OMANI CHAMBER OF
COMMERCE CHAIRMAN'S CONCERNS



1. (U) On August 15, the Ambassador discussed with incoming
Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) Chairman Khalil
bin Abdullah bin Muhammad al-Khunji. Khunji immediately
raised his concern that the USG's Tier 3 ranking of Oman in
the latest Trafficking in Persons (TIP) report would
adversely impact the country's ability to promote trade and
investment. He noted that trafficking "happens in the
originating countries, not here in Oman, through the actions
of recruitment agencies and travel agents." The Chairman
stated that since all expatriate employees have contracts
with Omani employers, those who feel they are being
trafficked have legal recourse to the Omani judicial system.


2. (U) Khunji said that the OCCI has been working with its
membership to promote labor awareness. For example, he
remarked that several OCCI members participated in an
International Labor Organization-sponsored workshop in July
and that government officials have attended labor conferences
with exporting countries, including India, Sri Lanka,
Bangladesh, and Pakistan. Furthermore, Khunji questioned the
sources of the data used in arriving at the ranking, noting
that mere conjecture should not serve as its basis.


3. (U) Khunji also expressed his concern over the efficiency
of the visa application process, noting that "we're not sure
how long it will actually take." Khunji found that
uncertainty over the timing adversely impacts business,
especially for those who need to go quickly to conclude
deals. In addition, the Chairman noted his uneasiness with
having to pass through U.S. Immigration, relaying that one
board member had to wait 5 hours in Newark before being
processed, while the daughter of the Vice Chairman had to
wait 9 hours in secondary inspection upon arrival in
California. The Ambassador requested the names and dates of
the travelers in order to follow-up with the Department of
Homeland Security.


4. (U) The Ambassador raised the registration status of the
Muscat American Business Council (MABC),which was supposed
to have been legalized under an arrangement negotiated with
the previous Chairman. Khunji did not object in principle to
registering the organization under the title "Omani American
Business Council" and asked the Ambassador to provide a
formal request along with a listing of its membership.


5. (SBU) Biographic note. Khunji was appointed as Chairman
of OCCI via Royal Decree on July 1, 2007. Khunji is
well-connected. In addition to his role as chairman of the
Al-Khunji Group of Companies, Khunji serves on the boards of
al-Jazeera Tubes Company, Oman National Electric Company,
Oman Wastewater Services Company, and the Omani Center for
Investment Promotion and Export Development (OCIPED). He
also holds board positions on the Omani Businessman's Council
and the Muscat Municipality Council. Since September 2005,
he has served as the Honorary Consul to Belarus.
GRAPPO