Royal Oman Police (ROP) has urged the public not to shelter or employ infiltrators, warning that doing so poses serious security and social risks.

In its awareness campaign titled ‘Protect Your Homeland’, the ROP said those who enter the country illegally bypass security checks, biometric registration and other official procedures, creating potential threats to public safety.

‘An unknown person is roaming around — a hidden danger that entered the country secretly, with no information or fingerprints to identify him or reveal any past criminal activity,’ the ROP said in a statement.

Police officials warned that some infiltrators may have criminal records or be fugitives from justice. Harbouring or employing them, it added, exposes citizens to legal penalties and personal risk.

‘Do not be an accomplice in the crime. Report the infiltrators,’ the ROP urged, calling on the public to report such cases via the emergency number 9999.

According to the ROP, 116 infiltrators were arrested in South Batinah and Musandam governorates over a five-day period in October.

On October 13, police in South Batinah arrested a driver in Rustaq for transporting 15 infiltrators of African nationality, allegedly attempting to facilitate their movement to work sites. 

On the same day, Coast Guard Police in Musandam intercepted a boat off Khasab, detaining eight individuals of Asian nationality who attempted to enter the country illegally. Police in Musandam arrested 19 infiltrators in Daba and Bukha on October 12, 10 in Bukha on October 8, 39 in Khasab and Bukha on October 5, and 25 in Bukha on October 1. The ROP confirmed that legal procedures are being completed in all cases and reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding public security and combating illegal entry into the sultanate.