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Another worker at the refuge centre reiterates this frustrating problem, saying,“They are just after the money from their agency so they will keep the girls inthe country until they get their registration fees back. It’s very common. Othertimes, when there are complaints of abuse, then they try to take revenge onthe girls by not signing the release papers. One of the girls has been here fortwo years because of this.” But the girls, who live crammed into the centre,could be said to be the lucky ones in some respects. Although there are plentyof homes across Oman where hired helpers are treated well and are seen aspart of the family, the number of girls at the refuge is living proof that abuse inthe country is common. These girls were fortunate enough to be situated in thecapital where the Philippines Embassy is just a taxi ride away. In other citiesoutside Muscat, things are bleak. These girls are often completely cut off fromany assistance that the Philippines Embassy may offer, and as their employerswill frequently ‘hold’ their passport, the prospect of travelling to the capitalmeans arrest by the police, and would likely bring further problems for theladies. Lorna, however, is relieved to be at the embassy, and looks forward tothe day when she can see her daughter and husband again, who wait for her athome. The gamble she took of moving to Oman to help support her family wasill-judged, but now she says she knows she will be happier in the Philippinesand has no intention of returning to Oman to work. “I’m happy now, I’m free. Ineed to wait for the final decision (from the employer) but I want to go home assoon as possible.” Until then, she is a hostage of a situation, which can only beresolved by the very employer she ran away from. And so it goes for countlessothers who live their days in fear and hardship, unsure and unknowing that helpis out there.*Names have been changed to protect the identity of our sources and the victimsin this story.Celebrate the biggestsportingevent of the year,the World Cup 2010!2010WORLD CUPWith exciting packages and out of the box concepts exclusivelyavailable to advertisers in the lead up to and during the World Cup,there is only one place to advertise – Oman’s No.1 Arabic RadioStation, Al Wisal 96.5 FM.Interactive fun: catch team reviews, statistics,interesting and historical World Cup facts,player profiles, match reviews, expert opinions,live match updates and exhilarating contests throughout the competition.Every day we plan to deliver live broadcasts from an outdoor locationthroughout this year’s World Cup.To make your business or branda part of this exciting sporting event,call 95213406 or email advertise@wisal.fm