Oman urges vigilance against human trafficking

Muscat Daily

20-05-2025

Muscat – The Ministry of Social Development, in coordination with the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking, organised a workshop on Tuesday aimed at raising awareness of human trafficking, strengthening victim support mechanisms, and promoting community cooperation in addressing the issue.
The workshop on 'Indicators of Human Trafficking, Raising Awareness of its Dangers, and the Importance of Reporting It' brought together child protection delegates, supervisors at the Protection Home, ministry customer service staff, and representatives from the Royal Oman Police involved in anti-trafficking efforts.
A ministry official said the workshop formed part of broader efforts to enhance public awareness and coordination among key stakeholders. 'The workshop focused on recognising signs of trafficking and improving the way we support victims,' the official stated.
The programme included four working papers. In the first, the Royal Oman Police outlined common indicators of trafficking, including deprivation of liberty or official documents, labour law violations, forced begging, the presence of women and children in inappropriate locations, physical abuse, poor living conditions, lack of communication, breaches of the Foreigners' Residence Law, money laundering, illegal immigration, and migrant smuggling.
The second paper, presented by the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking, explained the committee's mandate, including the preparation of a national action plan. It highlighted the importance of introducing clear controls and procedures, developing rehabilitation programmes for victims, and improving coordination with border and transport authorities. The committee also addressed the local and international implications of human trafficking.
The Ministry of Labour (MoL) presented the third paper, detailing its role in identifying cases of forced or compulsory labour. It described such cases as involving work performed under threat and without voluntary consent. Warning signs included unpaid wages, confiscation of passports, excessive working hours without pay, threats of deportation, abuse, restricted movement, and illegal employment of minors.
The final paper reviewed Oman's legal framework for addressing trafficking, with reference to the Basic Law of the State issued under Royal Decree No. 6/2021. It affirmed guarantees of personal liberty, human dignity, and the right to a secure life, while reiterating Oman's commitment to international agreements and anti-trafficking standards.
Authorities said the workshop is part of an ongoing effort to improve early detection, ensure more effective victim support, and strengthen enforcement of anti-trafficking laws.