Thursday, March 28, 2024 | Ramadan 17, 1445 H
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EDITOR IN CHIEF- ABDULLAH BIN SALIM AL SHUEILI

Dip in infiltration numbers

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By Staff Reporter — MUSCAT: The number of infiltrators arrested by the Royal Oman Police (ROP) during the first quarter of this year declined to 672 individuals, down from 857 during Q1 2016 and 1,039 during the corresponding quarter of 2015. Despite the downtrend, infiltration is still a major concern and poses a significant burden on the authorities, according to Col Saeed al Asmi, Deputy Director General of Operations.  An average of five foreigners are caught every day trying to infiltrate the Sultanate’s borders. Detainees are held in specially equipped centres where their dietary and healthcare needs are met.


“They are prosecuted and eventually deported in accordance with international conventions and norms that safeguard their rights and prerogatives. Throughout their detention, their basic needs are met,” said Col Al Asmi. The governorates of Muscat and Buraimi attract greater numbers of infiltrators. A region-wise breakdown of arrests is as follows: Muscat (171), Buraimi (155) North Batinah (49), Dhofar (39), South Batinah (24), Musandam (20), Al Wusta (12), Al Sharqiyah South (9), Al Sharqiyah North (7) and in Al Dhahirah(2). The Royal Army of Oman also seized 173 infiltrators at different locations.


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