Infiltration challenges in Oman, several arrested

The Royal Oman Police (ROP) has arrested over 30 infiltrators in two days, highlighting the fact that the problem continues to take place unabated.

22 individuals of Asian nationality were arrested by the Musandam Governorate Police Command while they were attempting to infiltrate the country, and 4 others were apprehended while they were trying to leave the country illegally.

The North Sharqiyah Governorate Police, in cooperation with the Al Wusta Governorate Police Command, arrested 12 infiltrators of African nationality for entering the country illegally, and have detained an individual for transporting them and facilitating their entry via his private vehicle.

Coastal Guard Police boats, led by Dhofar Governorate Police, apprehended a boat carrying four Yemeni nationals as they entered Omani territorial waters illegally, in possession of quantities of narcotics intended for smuggling and trafficking.

The biggest danger, according to the ROP, is that some people would hire them because they think their price is low and they want to reduce the cost.

The reason why they like to trespass is perhaps to find a job because there are not enough opportunities to work in their home. Secondly, they might be wanted by their concerned authorities or the security authorities and escape being detained or held accountable. Other intentions include smuggling drugs, like transferring some thoughts and culture that do not contradict our beliefs."

As per the Foreigners Residency Law, the illegal entrant can get a sentence of not less than a month and not more than three years, and a fine between RO100 and RO500.

Those responsible for hiring and accommodating infiltrators will be subject to a fine between RO1,000 and RO2,000 and imprisonment for about 10 to 30 days.

The problem with infiltration is that authorities have no data about them if they are caught, and secondly, they might be involved with gangs that pose threats because of their likely involvement in the transfer of weapons, drug smuggling, and serious crimes. Some countries do not have embassies, which sometimes might take longer for the concerned authorities to search for the embassy for that trespasser, so he will take a longer time in detention.

Authorities have been conducting awareness campaigns on the dangers of accommodating or hiring someone without any documentation.

ROP says that once an infiltrator is arrested, he is immediately referred for legal procedures, and besides get in touch with their embassies for deportation.

Challenges posed by infiltration.

Difficult to conduct an investigation when an infiltrator commits a crime due to the absence of a database.
Extra burden on healthcare due to spread of diseases, especially if employed in fisheries and agriculture sector.
Spread of bad behaviors, including the use of drugs.

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