Bahrain’s efforts to combat human trafficking and the smuggling of migrants for profit were commended at a major conference yesterday.
Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa highlighted the directives of His Majesty King Hamad and the support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, which have made security and stability the solid foundations of the country.
He also stressed the importance of working together with other nations to further secure borders.
“The convening of this conference under the current global circumstances reflects a practical response to the rapidly evolving developments the world is witnessing,” Gen Shaikh Rashid said.
“Emerging security challenges and changes impact border security and the stability of society, requiring us to work as one to exchange information and expertise.
“We take pride in Bahrain’s pioneering experience in developing border management systems and advanced technologies to manage the movement of travellers and goods.”
He was speaking after opening the Border Management and Technologies Summit Middle East 2025, organised by the Interior Ministry in co-operation with the International Border Management and Technologies Association at the Sheraton Bahrain Hotel, Manama.
The event brought together global leaders from government, industry, and technology sectors to explore the future of border management and security.
One of the major talking points at the forum was the unprecedented migration and trafficking of people in the region.
It was revealed that last year alone, nearly 150,000 migrants risked perilous journeys across the region, seeking safety and opportunity.
Smuggling networks have exploited vulnerabilities in people to generate profit through illicit means. Women and children were identified as the most at risk, with about one-third of smuggled migrants being children.
Additionally, about 60 per cent of women reported suffering sexual exploitation, the forum heard.
Ms Shareef
International Organisation for Migration (IOM) chief of mission in Bahrain Ihma Shareef praised the comprehensive legislation and victim-centred referral mechanisms that have enabled the kingdom to fight human trafficking in all its forms.
“Manama stands as a hub of innovation and progress in the Arab region,” said Ms Shareef.
“The kingdom’s commitment to integrated border management is evident, pioneering with its e-passport and robust customs efforts.
“The Interior Ministry has championed a vision of security and facilitation, ensuring borders are welcoming but safe. Thanks to close co-operation with international partners, Bahrain has made significant strides in the prevention and prosecution of smugglers and traffickers.”
In the Trafficking in Persons (TIP) 2025 report, Bahrain maintained its top ranking in combating human trafficking for the eighth consecutive year, and is placed in Tier 1 status – the only GCC country recognised as being fully compliant with the Trafficking Victims Protection Act’s (TVPA) minimum standards for elimination of human trafficking.
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