Beware of illegal donations, warns ministry

MUSCAT, Sept 6 - The Ministry of Social Development (MoSD) has warned the public not to follow, trust or donate to illegal institutions which tend to collect money from people and deceiving them for charity purposes. These groups, which usually call themselves as Omani Initiative or Omani Association, invariably turns out to be not Omani in any way and are registered outside the Sultanate practicing illegal activities. The ministry has urged the people to donate with accredited establishments or through authorised portable gates meant for donations. For those who are interested to donate towards charity works, the ministry has initiated in 2009 the electronic portal for Omani charitable organisations, operated by the Information Technology Authority (ITA). It simplifies the act of making donations to a charity of one’s choice by offering the opportunity for citizens and residents to do so online. Through the portal, the donators can choose the organisation, type and amount of giving among the 26 charitable groups and entities. The process is done accurately and safely, protecting the people’s interest. Zainab al Nassri