MUSCAT: Oman continues to intensify its efforts to combat human trafficking, positioning itself as one of the countries that has given significant attention to tackling this crime through strong legislation, preventive measures and awareness programmes.
In line with this commitment, the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking, in cooperation with the General Federation of Oman Trade Unions, organised an awareness programme for five-star hotel management staff. The initiative aimed to educate hotel employees on the different forms of human trafficking — such as sexual exploitation, forced labour and child exploitation — as well as to provide tools for early detection and reporting. This comes as part of the annual training plan designed to enhance prevention and strengthen community awareness.
The Committee stressed that Oman’s approach relies on a comprehensive framework of awareness, training, law enforcement and victim protection. Campaigns are being launched in multiple languages to reach vulnerable groups, with messages disseminated through media, schools and civil society platforms.
As part of its preventive measures, the Ministry of Education has also issued guidelines and awareness materials, including a dedicated guide for schools to detect and address child abuse cases. Oman further reinforces its fight through regional and international cooperation, ensuring effective coordination across agencies.
The Sultanate of Oman has adopted several national strategies, most notably the National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking, issued every three years, which builds on recommendations from national and international reports. These efforts are underpinned by the Anti-Human Trafficking Law (Royal Decree No 78/2025), which prescribes strict penalties — ranging from three to ten years’ imprisonment and fines between RO 5,000 and RO 100,000 — for perpetrators of trafficking.
Specialised anti-human trafficking units have been established within the Royal Oman Police, the Public Prosecution, the Foreign Ministry and The Ministry of Labour to ensure effective legal action.
The Anti-Human Trafficking Law represents a pioneering legal and humanitarian step, as it establishes a strict framework for penalties that criminalise various forms of human exploitation, in line with international standards for the protection of human rights.
Civil society institutions are also engaged in awareness campaigns, contributing to a wider national movement against this crime that threatens human dignity and societal security.
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