2025 Trafficking in Persons Report Highlights UAE Human Trafficking Challenges and Progress

A newly released country chapter of the 2025 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report by the U.S. Department of State shows that while the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has strengthened efforts against human trafficking, it still does not fully meet the highest international anti-trafficking standards.

The annual report, produced by the U.S. government’s Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, evaluates countries on their anti-trafficking responses, including prevention, protection, and prosecution measures, as well as partnerships with civil society and international organizations.

According to the 2025 UAE chapter, the government continues to make significant efforts to address human trafficking, resulting in increased prosecutions and legislative developments. However, key gaps remain in effective victim identification and protection. As a result, the UAE does not yet fully meet the minimum standards outlined in the Trafficking Victims Protection Act.

One concern noted in the report is the lack of standardized, nationwide procedures that ensure vulnerable individuals — especially foreign nationals and those involved in irregular migration or informal work — are consistently identified and protected as potential trafficking victims. Observers have reported cases in which individuals seeking law enforcement assistance were instead penalized for immigration or labor violations, discouraging reporting and exposing victims to renewed exploitation.

Despite these challenges, the government has taken several steps to improve its anti-trafficking framework. These include collaboration with international partners and expanded support services for victims once they are identified. Cases involving victims who overstayed visas have sometimes resulted in exemptions from fines, and victims have been permitted to stay in shelters and participate in legal proceedings.

National mechanisms such as shelters in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Ras Al Khaimah continue to provide safe housing and support for trafficking victims, while a dedicated hotline facilitates confidential reporting.

Legal reforms have also been a key focus. The UAE’s Federal Law No. 51 on combating human trafficking, first amended in 2015 to align with the United Nations Palermo Protocol, imposes strict penalties on traffickers and provides frameworks for victim support and protection.

In its evaluation, the TIP report stresses that continued improvements in victim identification, access to protection services, and streamlined reporting mechanisms are essential to further advance the UAE’s response to human trafficking.

As one of the Gulf’s major hubs for migrant workers and international travel, the UAE’s anti-trafficking performance receives particular scrutiny from international observers, who encourage deeper cooperation with civil society and wider public awareness initiatives to ensure victims feel safe coming forward.

The 2025 Trafficking in Persons Report serves as a key international benchmark for countries worldwide, ranking their efforts to combat human trafficking based on compliance with minimum standards — with the UAE continuing to evolve its policies amid both progress and ongoing challenges.