Muscat – Royal Oman Police (ROP) and relevant authorities will observe World Day Against Trafficking in Persons today (July 30) aligning with this year’s global theme ‘Organised Crime – End Exploitation’, reflecting the sultanate’s intensified efforts to combat human trafficking.

Brig Jamal bin Habib al Quraishi, Director General of Inquiries and Criminal Investigation, said Oman has made progress in enhancing its legislative and institutional framework to tackle trafficking. “This year’s commemoration reflects the sultanate’s strides in combating human trafficking by updating legislation, improving inter-agency coordination, and equipping officers with the tools and training needed to address these crimes professionally,” he stated.

In conjunction with the international day, the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking launched a campaign called ‘Aman’ to raise public awareness, encourage reporting and inform victims of their rights.

ROP has rolled out a new system to better identify and protect trafficking victims. It includes enhanced coordination with Public Prosecution and Ministry of Social Development to ensure victims are referred to official protection centres. Personnel across agencies have been trained to recognise indications of trafficking, enabling quicker legal action and appropriate care.

Brig Quraishi revealed that several cases investigated this year exposed organised criminal networks operating across borders. In one instance, individuals of Arab and Asian nationalities entered Oman on tourist visas and were found promoting illegal organ transplantation abroad. The operation targeted vulnerable patients in need of kidney transplants.

He added that perpetrators also use fraudulent job advertisements to lure women abroad, only to exploit them in Oman. Confiscation of personal documents and forced work under threat are among the tactics employed.

Other cases involved workers being brought in on tourist or visit visas, only to be illegally employed and pressured into paying off visa-related debts by working endless hours.

A high-profile arrest this year involved a suspect wanted by Italian authorities for leading a trafficking and migrant smuggling ring to Europe. The individual was apprehended in Oman and extradited following international protocols. The operation earned recognition from law enforcement partners abroad.