MUSCAT: Oman, represented by the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking (NCCHT), has launched an awareness campaign highlighting the legal consequences of human trafficking and measures available to protect victims.
The campaign comes amid strengthened legislation under Oman’s new Anti-Human Trafficking Law, promulgated by Royal Decree No 78/2025 in September 2025. The law replaced the previous 2008 legislation and expanded the definition and scope of trafficking offences.
Under the new law, human trafficking carries a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to RO 100,000. In aggravated cases, including those involving children, organised criminal groups, or transnational trafficking, the sentence can range from seven to 15 years, with fines of up to RO 100,000.
A source from the Royal Oman Police (ROP) said the continued awareness efforts reflect the authorities’ vigilance and their focus on prevention, early detection and victim protection.
The campaign also highlights the broader definition of trafficking under the new law, which covers exploitation including slavery, servitude, forced labour and other forms of exploitation. The legislation also specifically criminalises the confiscation or destruction of passports when used as a means of trafficking.
The new legislation strengthens protections for victims, including exemptions from certain residency- and labour-related fees and fines and protection from liability for acts committed as a consequence of their exploitation. It also provides for specialised shelters and support services, including legal, psychological and medical assistance.
The law further provides for penalties for those who use coercive measures against victims. Passport confiscation or destruction for trafficking purposes is specifically criminalised under the new legislation.
The NCCHT had earlier launched the ‘Aman’ awareness campaign, a three-month initiative aimed at raising public awareness of human trafficking, reporting mechanisms and victim support. The campaign used social media, workshops and exhibitions and focused successively on understanding trafficking, safe reporting and victim protection.
According to the Ministry of Social Development, Oman dealt with 39 human trafficking cases, 4,199 child abuse cases, 26 forced marriage cases and eight cases involving abuse of women in 2025 through an integrated legal and social framework.
Authorities have also strengthened victim support. A protection shelter affiliated with the Ministry of Social Development provides care and support to children at risk of abuse, violence or exploitation, as well as victims of human trafficking and women at risk of abuse.
The NCCHT has said its approach is based on prevention, protection, prosecution and institutional cooperation, with victim safety and rights at the centre of its efforts.
Anyone who suspects a case of human trafficking can report it to the authorities. The NCCHT website lists the Royal Oman Police human trafficking hotline as 800 77 444.
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