The Sultanate of Oman is joining countries worldwide in observing the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons on July 30, highlighting its commitment to combating human trafficking through a comprehensive national strategy. The day serves as an occasion to strengthen collective efforts aimed at preventing this transnational crime, protecting victims, and upholding human rights.
Shaikh Khalifa bin Ali al Harthy, Under-Secretary of the Foreign Ministry for Political Affairs and Chairman of the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking, described human trafficking as a grave violation of both law and human dignity. He emphasized that Oman’s response centers on an integrated approach based on prevention, protection, prosecution, and institutional collaboration, with a primary focus on safeguarding victims’ rights and safety.
The Sultanate’s efforts have been bolstered by the enactment of the Law on Combating Human Trafficking, issued under Royal Decree No. 78/2025. This legislation expands protections for victims and addresses emerging trafficking methods. Al Harthy pointed to this year’s theme, “Trapped in the Fraud Trap,” which draws attention to a growing tactic where individuals are deceived through false employment offers and coerced into online fraud schemes. Addressing such evolving threats requires enhanced international cooperation, information sharing, and cross-border judicial and security coordination.
Brigadier Jamal bin Habib al Quraishi, Director-General of Inquiries and Criminal Investigations at the Royal Oman Police (ROP), noted that the observance aims to raise public awareness about human trafficking’s dangers and its social impact. He stressed the importance of educating the community about prevention and reporting mechanisms while reinforcing law enforcement and international partnerships.
Al Quraishi highlighted a shift in trafficking methods manifesting in cybercrime-related coercion, including recruitment through fictitious job advertisements promising lucrative overseas employment. Victims often find themselves confined in facilities where they are exploited for large-scale online fraud activities such as romance scams and cryptocurrency crimes.
Although Oman experiences relatively low levels of trafficking crimes, authorities remain vigilant in confronting all forms of exploitation. The ROP, in collaboration with the Public Prosecution and relevant government agencies, implements an integrated system focusing on monitoring, evidence gathering, and early detection of trafficking indicators.
Al Quraishi elaborated that common trafficking practices in Oman include forced labor under illegal conditions, withholding travel documents, unpaid wages, and coercion to work excessive hours, as well as exploitation in offenses against public morals. He cited a recent law enforcement success involving the dismantling of a criminal network that lured individuals under false pretenses of employment to smuggle narcotics. Victims were reportedly forced to ingest narcotics capsules under threat of harm. The operation led to arrests in Muscat Governorate after tracking a trafficked individual arriving at Muscat International Airport. Authorities also thwarted attempts to smuggle additional narcotics abroad.
The Royal Oman Police continue their concerted efforts in cooperation with judicial and governmental partners to address human trafficking proactively, emphasizing victim protection while holding perpetrators accountable to uphold the rule of law and human dignity.