Human trafficking: ROP cites fake job ads, confiscation of passports, visa misuse

ROP emphasized the importance of clear and formal employment contracts that protect the rights of both employers and workers.

Published: 01:07 PM,Jul 29,2025 | EDITED : 05:07 PM,Jul 29,2025

On the occasion of the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, the Royal Oman Police (ROP) has called on everyone to report any suspicious acts or violations that may lead to exploitation.

It also emphasized the importance of clear and formal employment contracts that protect the rights of both employers and workers.

In a statement, Brigadier Jamal bin Habib al Quraishi, Director General of Criminal Investigations and Research, has pointed out that the criminal methods used by perpetrators of human trafficking crimes are include publishing and promoting fake job advertisements to lure girls abroad to work in the Sultanate of Oman, exploiting them in immoral and unethical activities after confiscating their documents and restricting their freedom.

Other recurring methods monitored include employers confiscating workers' passports or identity documents without their written consent, or recruiting these workers on family visit or tourist visas and employing them in certain jobs, which violates the labor and residency laws for foreigners.
Some of those who dare to do so may even demand that these workers pay the cost of their visas and travel tickets, forcing them to work double-time to do so. A qualitative operation receives international praise.

Recent cases

July 28: South Sharqiyah Governorate Police Command arrested eighteen women of Asian nationalities in the Wilayat of Sur for violating the Labor Law and Foreigners’ Residence Law.

July 24: The Al Wusta Police Command arrested nine individuals of Ethiopian nationality in the Wilayat of Mahout for entering the country illegally and violating the Labor Law and the Foreigners' Residency Law.

July 20: The Police Command in the Governorate of Muscat arrested 30, including 21 women of various Asian nationalities, for committing acts contrary to morals and public decency in a hotel in the Wilayat of Matrah.

July 15: South Al Batinah Governorate Police Command arrested two Asian men and ten Asian women for engaging in acts contrary to morals and public decency in residential apartments in the Wilayats of Rustaq, Barka, and Al Musannah.

Brigadier Jamal al Quraishi said that the General Directorate of Criminal Investigations and Research was able to monitor and arrest a person wanted by the Italian authorities after his entry into the Sultanate of Oman. He was accused of forming a criminal organization involved in human trafficking and migrant smuggling to several European countries. His extradition procedures were completed under international protocols.
This operation received widespread international praise.