Oman’s efforts to combat human trafficking stand out

Muscat: Oman’s approach to protecting people, upholding human dignity, promoting justice and safeguarding human rights continues to stand out, according to a new the US Department of State’s Trafficking Report. The report highlighted Oman’s efforts to strengthen legislation, protect victims, improve law enforcement and intensify prevention and public awareness initiatives.

It noted that the Anti-Human Trafficking Law of 2025 strengthened the legal framework by increasing penalties, expanding the scope of criminal offences related to exploitation and introducing provisions to protect victims and safeguard their rights. The report also highlighted measures to identify victims and refer them to care centres, where they can receive shelter, food, medical treatment, legal assistance, counselling and financial support.

Foreign victims may also be provided with legal alternatives for residency and employment. Specialised anti-human trafficking units within the Royal Oman Police and the Public Prosecution continue to handle related cases, supported by training for law enforcement personnel and cooperation with other countries.

On prevention, the report highlighted the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking’s implementation of the 2024–2026 National Plan to Combat Human Trafficking. The plan includes public awareness initiatives targeting vulnerable groups, improved reporting channels and a dedicated hotline for trafficking-related crimes.

The report also referred to regulations issued by the Ministry of Labour in October 2025 to strengthen protections for domestic workers, alongside efforts to improve cooperation with labour-sending countries through memoranda of understanding, executive programmes and bilateral agreements.