CALLS to the National Human Trafficking Hotline (995) dropped by about 60.8 per cent in the first quarter of this year compared with the same period last year, revealed a labour watchdog.
A total of 2,583 calls were received in Q1 2023, according to the latest statistics released by the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA).
Sixty-seven potential victims of human trafficking were provided shelter during Q1 2023, an increase of 272pc from Q1 2022, while 209 grievances against absence from work were registered, a rise of 23.7pc.
LMRA chief executive Nouf Jamsheer said 747 cases were closed in Q1 2023 – an increase of 62.7pc from Q1 2022 – along with 27 suggestions received.
“As for the efforts exerted to protect and help workers preserve their rights, and avoid being victims of extortion, exploitation and trafficking in persons, LMRA was able to monitor and refer two cases to the Public Prosecution on suspicion of trafficking in persons,” she said.
“That is in addition to providing assistance to file 225 labour cases submitted through the protection and grievances centre of the LMRA.”
The statistics also revealed that 69,026 clients were served in service centres, 109,000 transactions were submitted in centres, and 42,145 transactions were submitted via e-channels while 237,230 calls were received at call centres.
Meanwhile, the watchdog reported a 100pc service commitment while client satisfaction on LMRA’s responses witnessed a 0.04pc decrease at 98.6pc in Q1 2023 compared with Q1 2022.
&uuid=(email))