Last month, authorities rescued two Filipinas in Dubai who were victims of human trafficking. Indeed, cases of abuse such as these should be reported for immediate action.
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The government of the UAE strongly condemns human trafficking, having introduced laws and initiatives to prevent, prosecute, and penalise perpetrators. Across the emirates, hotlines and services have also been set up to respond quickly and aggressively against such cases.
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Guide to Reporting Human Trafficking Cases in the UAE
In terms of legislation, the UAE government introduced Federal Law No. 51 of 2006, amended by Federal Law No. 1 of 2015, to combat human trafficking. Under this law, human trafficking is defined to include the following crimes:
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- Forced labour or service
- Servitude or enslavement
- Sexual exploitation
- Engaging others in prostitution
- Organ trafficking
- Forced begging
… and quasi-slavery practices
The law stipulates a minimum of five years in jail and a fine of at least AED 100,000 for offenders. In addition, a person who is found to be aware of a human trafficking crime — but does not report it — can be penalised as well.
A National Effort
In 2007, the UAE government established the National Committee for Combatting Human Trafficking (NCCHT) to fight against human trafficking in all seven emirates. It has also put up Ewa’a Shelters for women and children who are victims of human trafficking and sexual exploitation.
Dubai Authorities
In 2007, the Dubai Foundation for Women and Children (DFWAC) was established. It is the first licensed, non-profit shelter for women and children in the country who are victims of human trafficking, abuse, and domestic violence.
In addition, there is the General Directorate for Human Rights Protection, which falls under the supervision of Dubai Police. The Directorate provides human trafficking victims with psychological, social, and legal support, along with temporary shelter, temporary visas, and (when necessary) flight tickets so that they can return to their home countries.
To report human trafficking cases, you can contact Dubai Police through:
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- Control Centre of Human Trafficking – +971 4 608 2347
- Labour Complaints Hotline – 800 5005
- Human Trafficking Issues Hotline – 800 7283
- Fax No. – +971 4 217 1644
- Email – htccc@dubaipolice.gov.ae
Sharjah Authorities
The Women’s Protection Centre of the Social Services Department of the Government of Sharjah (SSSD) provides psychological, social, and legal support to victims of domestic violence, abuse, and human trafficking. It also offers family consultations. You may contact it via a toll-free number, 800 800 700.
Abu Dhabi Authorities
The Abu Dhabi Police supervises a number of social support centres that deal with cases of human trafficking, in coordination with other concerned agencies.
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DISCLAIMER: The above guide is presented for information-sharing purposes only. To know more about how to report cases of human trafficking in the emirates, please visit the UAE Government Portal.