Muscat: Infiltration is a serious crime that threatens a country’s stability, warns the Royal Oman Police (ROP).
In an interview with Oman FM, Captain Saeed Salim al Mahrazi explained that infiltration refers to illegal entry without documentation or passports. Many infiltrators seek work due to limited opportunities in their home countries, while others may be involved in criminal activities such as drug smuggling or avoiding arrest.
Under the Foreigners Residency Law, illegal entrants face one month to three years in prison and fines of RO100 to RO500. Employers or those accommodating infiltrators face fines of RO1,000 to RO2,000 and 10 to 30 days imprisonment.
Infiltrators pose a risk as authorities lack information on them, and they may be linked to gangs involved in smuggling or other serious crimes. Deportation procedures are initiated once an infiltrator is arrested, though delays can occur if no embassy is available.
ROP continues awareness campaigns on the dangers of hiring or sheltering undocumented individuals.
