Protecting foreigners' rights

One wonders where, when and how the protection of foreigners/expats is controlled.

A Shipping fraud incident, which has scarred the memories of an ex-Consul of Egypt, Karim Sherif, needs to be compensated for and looked into by authorities in the government. It is disheartening when one has dedicated one's time in a foreign country and then has his furniture and effects returned to his residence from the loading port due to insufficient communications from one port to another ... in effect, his goods were damaged due to rain; or rather ... to neglect.

The cargo company in question should be reprimanded or not allowed to function if they don't stick to initial agreements.

The government should have officials overseeing the business legitimacy, honesty and professionalism in helping foreign visitors. Foreign liaison represents the nation for good international relations. It is incidents like this that continuously mars the face of one's country.

All cargo companies should be investigated prior to sending valuable or sentimental items anywhere.

What comes to mind is, are all these companies privately owned, and registered by a government ministry to protect people? And do they include an insurance cover?

Personally, I think Sherif's request of US$1000 for damages, in all fairness is reasonable when one considers the initial costs he outlaid, not to mention time and emotional stress which can outweigh the value of the goods. However, people seem to disregard this. The other concern is, once the goods are out of the customer's reach, he has no control over their handling.

How can the foreigner or expat be protected?

C. PARRY

Jakarta