MUSCAT: The Sultanate is adopting a comprehensive approach centred on prevention, victim protection, prosecution of offenders and institutional partnerships, while warning that criminal networks are increasingly using fraudulent job offers to lure victims into exploitation.

His Excellency Sheikh Khalifa bin Ali Al Harthy, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs and Chairman of the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking, said the international observance serves as an opportunity to renew global efforts to safeguard human dignity and protect people from exploitation.

He said Oman had strengthened its legal framework through the Law on Combating Human Trafficking, issued under Royal Decree No. 78/2025, which expands protections for victims and addresses emerging forms of trafficking.

Referring to this year’s global theme, ‘Trapped behind the scam’, His Excellency Al Harthy said organised criminal groups were increasingly using fake employment offers to recruit victims before coercing them into online fraud and other forms of exploitation. He called for stronger international cooperation, intelligence sharing and cross-border judicial coordination to tackle the evolving threat.

Brigadier General Jamal bin Habib Al Quraishi, Director General of Criminal Investigation and Research at the Royal Oman Police (ROP), said human trafficking cases in Oman remain limited, but authorities continue to treat every case as a serious crime affecting human dignity and fundamental rights.

He revealed that earlier this year the ROP dismantled a criminal network that lured victims with false promises of overseas employment before forcing them to smuggle narcotics by swallowing drug-filled capsules. The operation led to the arrest of gang members in Muscat after one victim was intercepted at Muscat International Airport carrying drugs internally, while police also foiled another attempted smuggling operation linked to the same network.

Al Quraishi said the ROP, working alongside the Public Prosecution and other government agencies, operates an integrated system to detect and investigate trafficking offences through intelligence gathering, evidence collection, monitoring at air and land ports, and specialised awareness and training programmes. Oman also cooperates with international organisations, including Interpol, Europol, the Gulf Police Force and the Council of Arab Interior Ministers, to exchange intelligence and pursue transnational trafficking networks.

Oman’s Law on Combating Human Trafficking prescribes prison terms ranging from three to 10 years and fines between RO 5,000 and RO 100,000 for trafficking offences. Sentences increase to between seven and 15 years in aggravating circumstances, such as crimes involving children, organised criminal groups or public officials. Courts may also confiscate assets used in trafficking offences and suspend the activities of companies found responsible.

Al Quraishi added that digital technologies and artificial intelligence are increasingly supporting efforts to identify fake recruitment advertisements, detect trafficking risks early and improve communication with victims through instant translation tools.

He urged employers and recruitment agencies to comply fully with labour regulations by providing clear employment contracts, paying wages on time, respecting working hours, refraining from confiscating passports, providing suitable accommodation and healthcare, and reporting suspected trafficking cases. He also warned against the illegal sale or misuse of work visas.

Calling for greater public vigilance, he urged residents to verify job offers before accepting them, avoid unlicensed recruitment agents, respect workers’ rights and report suspected trafficking through official channels.