Monday 04 / August / 2025
Muscat: Hundreds of Omanis and expatriates jailed for non-payment of debts in insolvency cases in the Sultanate could be freed this year, thanks to the Oman Lawyers Association (OLA). The association has over the years helped free 1,205 people after paying off their debts. “This year, we are aiming to release 800 people,” said Dr. Asad Al Hadhrami, a member of the OLA.
Organised under the name “Fak Kurba”, the programme helps raise funds to pay off the debts in insolvency cases where people have been jailed. Now in its fifth edition, the initiative will kick-off with the release of a prisoner in Wilayat Shinas, following the donation of OMR5,000 by women living in the Governorate of Dhofar.
Al Hadhrami added, “We invite everyone to donate and contribute to giving these prisoners, who did not harm anyone, another chance at life.”
‘Fak Kurba’ was launched in 2012 by 10 lawyers, who succeeded in securing the release of people involved in 44 different cases. Since then, the initiative has grown, with more than 1,205 prisoners freed as a result of the association’s work.
Hilal Al Sarmi, Member of the Majlis Al Shura, said, “The project is one the community is looking forward to and we invite everyone to take part in this year’s donation, whether they are citizens or expats.”
“The happiness prisoners experience after leaving jail is not just shared by their families, but by all those who contributed in helping them obtain their freedom” Al Sarmi added.
Last year’s campaign successfully collected OMR250,000 in donations, which contributed to the release of 425 people. Support was provided by more than 100 lawyers. Speaking about the 2017 campaign, Al Hadhrami said, “One of the cases we managed to solve was that of a student who was sentenced to prison for not being able to pay rent for his room, which amounted to OMR40. Another case involved a man imprisoned for a debt of OMR70.”
“Yet another involved a woman who took over her father’s debt but was imprisoned for not being able to pay it off. It is sad to see cases where people are imprisoned for OMR100-1,000, which we normally use for entertainment and other luxuries. There are many cases where people have been imprisoned for their inability to pay their utility bills and rent. We have even encountered people who were jailed for being unable to pay debts after losing their jobs,” Al Hadhrami added. Al Sarmi said, “People have gained more awareness about the benefits of Fak Kurba. It has given hope to families, showing them there are people willing to help.”
This year, Fak Kurba’s fund-raising efforts will be organised during three awareness campaigns in the Governorates of Muscat, Sohar, and Dhofar. Donations can also be made to a bank account connected to the initiative. “The initiative has helped remind people of the importance of proper financial management; to avoid debts they may not be able to pay in the future,” said Al Hadhrami.
Ahmed Al Maa’mari, a private sector employee, said he was going to donate to such a noble cause. “It’s a good feeling to donate and help loan defaulters in the country. It’s all about bringing life and smiles back to these people and their families with Ramadan approaching,” he said.
