Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman joins the global community in celebrating the World Day Against Human Trafficking on July 30. This year's theme, 'Leave no child behind', underscores the relentless fight against human trafficking, highlighting achievements and essential measures to curb this crime, which severely impacts human dignity and violates international laws.
Brigadier Jamal bin Habib al Quraishi, Director-General of Investigations and Criminal Investigations, emphasised the Royal Oman Police's (ROP) commitment in combating human trafficking through a system characterised by effectiveness, professionalism and continuous improvement.
The ROP's coordinated efforts focus on eradicating all forms of human trafficking, which thankfully remain at low levels in Oman. To enhance their capabilities, the ROP has implemented numerous training programmes for its personnel, aligning with the latest international standards. These programmes aim to improve early detection of human trafficking victims by identifying potential indicators, especially among vulnerable groups who may not report due to fear or lack of knowledge about the procedures.
The General Department of Criminal Investigations and Research has monitored various reports and indicators of suspected human trafficking this year. These include false advertisements abroad promising attractive job offers in Oman to lure and coerce individuals into immoral activities, often involving blackmail, freedom restriction and confiscation of official documents.
Other monitored methods include employers withholding workers' passports or identification documents without consent or bringing in workers on family or tourist visas for employment, violating labour and residency laws.
Some employers even subject workers to debt bondage, forcing them to perform multiple tasks to repay visa and travel expenses. Additionally, social media advertisements promoting domestic worker services at attractive prices often reveal that many of these workers were brought in on tourist visas, violating labour law and exposing them to legal and financial consequences.
Brigadier Al Quraishi highlighted a notable case where the General Department of Investigations and Criminal Investigations thwarted the smuggling of a child from an African country to Europe through Oman. ROP officers' vigilance and suspicion of a kidnapping and smuggling operation led to the arrest of the individuals accompanying the child, who were found to have criminal records. The child received health and psychological care, and procedures for his return to his home country were completed, garnering international praise for this operation.
Al Quraishi emphasised the importance of clear, officially documented employment contracts to protect both employers and workers. Understanding employment terms helps prevent claims of exploitation and deception. He advised employers to rectify their practices to avoid future allegations of human trafficking, following monitored reports that found no indicators of such crimes.
The coordination between the Royal Oman Police and relevant government agencies is crucial in supporting vulnerable groups at risk of exploitation by criminal gangs. This coordination involves searching for, investigating and assisting these groups to correct their residency status, facilitate deportation, or recover their rights.
Oman has prioritised combating human trafficking, completing the first phase of the National Referral System for Victims of Human Trafficking. This system aims to identify reports and establish a coordination mechanism between relevant authorities (Royal Oman Police, Ministry of Labour, Foreign Ministry, Ministry of Social Development, and Public Prosecution) to identify victims, provide support and complete legal procedures, including investigation and evidence gathering, to bring perpetrators to justice.
Community partnership plays a vital role in combating human trafficking, with efforts to raise public awareness about the indicators and dangers of such crimes. The General Department of Criminal Investigations and Research has enhanced community awareness through educational and awareness programmes following the latest standards. These programmes provide advice and guidance on various forms and indicators of human trafficking through audio-visual media and lectures at universities and other institutions.
Al Quraishi stressed that the Royal Oman Police's efforts to combat various crimes rely on citizens' awareness and understanding of their responsibilities in maintaining security and stability, encouraging them to report any suspicious activities.
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