Muscat bans bachelors from living in buildings alongside families

Muscat Municipality has banned men who are not related to the families living there from sharing the same building with families, in a decision aimed at stopping workers and bachelors from renting accommodation in residential buildings occupied by families. The rule will not apply to members of the same family who live together with their family. In a statement, the municipality said the decision was taken under the regulations governing the use of buildings in Muscat Governorate. Under these rules, providing dedicated accommodation for workers and bachelors in residential areas, and in areas designated for residential and commercial use, is also prohibited. The authority cited Article 31 of Local Order No. 23/92. The municipality said the purpose of these steps is to ensure the safety of residential areas and to reduce pressure on roads and parking areas. The authority also noted that placing more people in a building than the permitted number, and using a building contrary to its designated category, are matters that harm public services and health standards. The municipality said it is the responsibility of homeowners and building owners to verify the category of a property before renting it out. It also instructed companies to arrange accommodation for their employees within the designated areas that meet health and safety standards. Although the details of the measures to be taken against those who violate the rules were not disclosed in the latest statement, the municipality has previously warned that fines and prison sentences will be imposed for such offences.