Oman: 15 expat women arrested in Seeb on prostitution charges

Dubai: Omani authorities have arrested 15 expatriate women of various nationalities in the Wilayat of Seeb on charges related to immoral acts, the Royal Oman Police (ROP) announced.

According to a statement from the ROP’s Muscat Governorate Command, those arrested include six Pakistani nationals, three Iranians, three Syrians, two Egyptians, and one Bangladeshi.

Authorities said legal procedures are underway and that the women will be referred to the Public Prosecution.

The arrests follow a previous announcement last week about a larger operation that led to the detention of 47 expatriate women across Oman on similar charges. That group included 21 Egyptians, 10 Iranians, eight Pakistanis, four Thais, two Uzbeks, and two Moroccans. All face legal action under Omani law, which criminalizes public indecency and immoral conduct.

Under Article 25 of the Omani Penal Code, individuals found committing indecent acts in public or making indecent statements may face imprisonment of 10 days to three months and/or a fine ranging from 100 to 300 Omani riyals.

In a separate case, Muscat Police also announced the arrest of four expatriate men — three Egyptians and one Jordanian — accused of stealing gold, cash, and other valuables from homes in Seeb.

Meanwhile, the ROP’s Anti-Narcotics Department in North Al Sharqiyah seized a quantity of illicit substances, including hashish, crystal meth, morphine, and marijuana, during the arrest of a citizen who is now facing prosecution.

The Royal Oman Police emphasized that all suspects will be subject to legal proceedings in accordance with the country’s laws on criminal and moral offenses.

Huda Ata is an independent writer based in the UAE