They have a problem: less than 10% of British Citizens in Oman actually register with the embassy. That makes it hard for the embassy to provide assistance, should shit connect with fan. So here's a plug from the British Embassy to all citizens to please register on-line on their website.
Photo: The British Embassy, Muscat Oman. Pic ripped from www.nikiomahe.comIf you need a visa, however, go to The Home Office people, here.
I think if you want to vote it may not be too late to register.
Dear Mr. Dragon,
We would like your help is to get British Citizens to register their details on LOCATE.
LOCATE is the on-line registration tool used by the FCO in times of crisis or emergency. NO ONE has access to individuals information apart from the Embassy here in Oman or, as mentioned, in a crisis and we need assistance from London. The tax man, lawyers and ex's will not be able to find individuals by them being registered. Individuals details are totally secure under the Data Protection Act.
The problem we have is that only approximately 300 British Citizens have registered as being in Oman (resident specific), but the ROP tell us that there are closer to 5,000 British Citizens with resident visas. If there was an emergency, the recent earthquakes being a classic example, we would be able to LOCATE individuals quickly and communicate on their behalf to family and friends (if requested) that they were safe thus allowing us to concentrate on the people that may really need our help. Also by being registered they would receive up-dates from the Embassy on matters of importance via our Warden's network or by SMS if time critical.
In order for people to register they need to go onto the Embassy website: http://ukinoman.fco.gov.uk and follow the links. People need to re-register annually and up-date their page when they travel.
We would be delighted to answer any questions your readers may have regarding Consular matters such as death and birth registration, notarial acts or marriages, but we would not be able to give any comment or advise on visa related matters. Our colleagues in UKBA (part of the Home Office) are solely responsible for visa related enquiries. Any questions or comments can be directed to them on www.vfs-uk-om.com or by calling the Visa Application Centre on 24497078. We are sorry that we cannot assist with Visas, but as I mentioned anything to do with Consular issues - not a problem.
regards,
Alison Hardy, British Vice Consul, The British Embassy, Muscat.
So there you go, British people. Go register. Tally-ho!
The Dragon's Inside tip: I would also enquire about getting on the list of "Friends of the Thirsty Camel". This way you would be sure to hear about all events they hold. Email irene(dot)bedwin(at)fco(dot)gov(dot)uk should anyone wish to go down this route and assuming you are not already a Friend! "The Thirsty Camel" is the embassy's own in-house bar, next to a nice pool. It serves duty free booze, brought in via the diplomatic bag I guess, and is open during Ramadan (as it's within the gilded gates of the Embassy and thus traditionally treated by Oman as Sovereign British soil.)
They do serve an excellent G&T. But don't tell anyone where you heard about it - it's not the done thing to advertise such fantastic facilities... so, wink wink, hush hush, on the QT!
The embassy is located next to the bridge in Shatti Embassy row, near the new Indian Embassy. Park opposite the school and walk - you can't take your car in.
Mail Address:
British Embassy
PO Box 185
Mina Al Fahal
Postal Code 116
Sultanate of Oman
Switchboard:
(968) 24 609002 Commercial
(968) 24 609251 Consular
(968) 24 609224 Defence
(968) 24 609000 Out of hours emergencies
Phone:
(968) 24 609000
Fax:
(968) 24 609010 General
(968) 24 609011 Consular
(968) 24 609013 Chancery
(968) 24 609012 Commercial
Website: http://ukinoman.fco.gov.uk/en
Office hours:
Sat-Wed: 0330-1030 GMT
Sat-Wed: 0730-1430 Local Time
Sat-Wed: Consular opening hours 0800 - 1300 Local Time
