ROP activates the system to protect human trafficking victims

Muscat: 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.

The World Day Against Trafficking in Persons is observed on July 30 of each year.

Under the theme "Organized Crime - End Exploitation," this year's global call is to combat this transnational crime.

On this occasion, Brigadier Jamal bin Habib Al-Quraishi, Director General of Criminal Investigations and Research, said: "This year's celebration comes in light of the Sultanate of Oman's achievements and effective measures in combating human trafficking crimes, through developing legislation, enhancing coordination between relevant authorities, and enhancing the capabilities of security personnel to detect such cases and handle them professionally."

The Royal Oman Police began activating a system this year dedicated to protecting victims of human trafficking. This system aims to facilitate coordination between relevant authorities and accurately identify victims using indicators on which staff are continuously trained. Through this system, legal procedures will be completed and detention orders will be obtained from the Public Prosecution, in preparation for referring victims to the Protection House at the Ministry of Social Development.

Fraudulent Methods to Lure Victims

The Directorate General of Criminal Investigations and Research has monitored a number of cases this year that revealed the presence of organized criminal networks using various methods to ensnare victims.

In one particular case, the Royal Oman Police arrested individuals of Arab and Asian nationalities who had entered the country for tourism purposes and were, in turn, promoting the transplantation of human organs outside the Sultanate of Oman, exploiting some patients in dire need of organ transplants, particularly kidney patients.

He pointed out that among the criminal methods used by perpetrators of human trafficking crimes are 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.

Brigadier Jamal Al-Quraishi stated that the Directorate General 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.

Employment Contracts: The First Line of Defense

The Brigadier General emphasized the importance of having clear and formal employment contracts that protect the rights of both employers and workers. Some suspected cases of human trafficking are due to misunderstandings of the contract terms.

Protecting Vulnerable Groups

Brigadier Jamal Al-Quraishi explained that the Royal Oman Police continues to coordinate with relevant government agencies to provide the necessary support to vulnerable groups who are not legally classified as victims of trafficking but are vulnerable to exploitation.

This support includes helping them rectify their legal status, helping them settle or return to their countries, and ensuring they obtain their rights. Awareness is the cornerstone of prevention.

He added: "Based on community partnership, the Royal Oman Police has intensified its efforts to raise awareness and educate people about the seriousness of these crimes through various media outlets, in addition to holding lectures at universities and various institutions to spread awareness about the indicators of human trafficking, the danger of these crimes to individuals and society, and how to combat them."

Brigadier Jamal Al-Quraishi highlighted the importance of citizens' and residents' awareness and their responsibilities in maintaining security and stability, and reporting any suspicious acts or violations that could lead to exploitation or human trafficking. He emphasized that the Royal Oman Police is determined and capable of combating human trafficking and other crimes so that all residents of this blessed land can enjoy a peaceful life.