Oman asks public to help its crackdown on prostitution in attempt to ‘clear the streets’

Criminal investigation department says it has arrested ‘100 women of Asian and African nationalities’ in capital

Oman launched a crackdown on prostitution in an attempt to clear the streets of a vice that police say is controlled by gangs of expatriates.

Last week the criminal investigation department said it arrested “100 women of Asian and African nationalities for prostitution” in Al Khuwair, an area of Muscat with a high expatriate population.

The women are awaiting trial. No date has yet been set.

In a rare appeal to the public, the police asked landlords to be vigilant and report prostitution on their premises, and have also asked for tip-offs from residents of areas where the sex trade is being conducted.

The latest crackdown came after residents made complaints to the authorities.

“We conducted many raids in the past two years on privately rented buildings in Muscat that are used for prostitution,” a police spokesman said.

“We also have regular patrols in certain areas where residents have complained about sex offences.

“We are now launching a campaign to clear sex trafficking from our streets, but we need landlords whose buildings are being used for this purpose to inform us about the illegal activity.”

He said half of the women arrested were illegal migrants, while the rest were registered as domestic workers with valid work permits, but under the control of organised gangs. Under Omani law, the engagement or solicitation of prostitution carries a jail sentence of between three and five years.

Those convicted of trafficking can face up to 15 years in jail.

Since 2014, police have arrested 273 people for engaging in prostitution.

They were all sentenced to a minimum of three years in jail.

Residents of Muscat say some brothels are disguised as beauty salons and massage parlours.

“Some of the sleazy salons and massage parlours are actually centres of prostitution,” said Fatma Al Zadjali, 53, a civil servant living in Muscat.

“Perhaps the police need to pay more attention to their licensing.

“These places are run by expatriates with Omani sponsors happy to get their fees and rent. They do not want to know how they are being used.”

While absconding domestic workers are prime targets for prostitution recruiters, others are lured by the prospect of earning more money.

“When a housemaid is treated badly by her employer, then she becomes a top target for prostitution recruiters,” said Fareed Al Alawi, whose domestic worker was jailed after police caught her engaging in prostitution.

“They get free accommodation, food, good pay and no manual work or looking after children. Prostitution also gives them a chance to stay and send money home.”

Recruiters also bring women into the country on tourist visas – mostly from countries in South-East Asia and the Indian subcontinent.

“I came to Oman on a tourist visa arranged by a Turkish businessman and worked as a prostitute for three years,” said a woman from the Philippines who identified herself as Sophie.

“I was only 18 when I was approached by his agent in the Philippines. He told me it was like any other job, but the pay is good and work is less.

“It was too tempting for a teenager like me, but it got me nowhere. I never enjoyed it and used to cry at night after every job.

“I stopped when I met my boyfriend, who is also a Filipino. I now have a legitimate job.”

Oman is considering reducing the validity of tourist visas for women from countries in South-East Asia.

The suggestion is that the stay be reduced to 10 days from the current 30 days.

The women will also need to have a return ticket and a booking at a four-star hotel at the minimum during their stay in Oman, the police spokesman said.

Oman is considering reducing the validity of tourist visas for women from countries in South-East Asia