Oman Police Arrest Nine Expatriate Fishermen for Breaking Fishing Laws
Oman authorities have taken strict action against illegal fishing activities in the country. Here are the key details of the recent arrests and legal actions:
- Nine expatriate workers arrested by Oman Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources and Security and Safety Corporation teams.
- Operations conducted between September 12 and September 15, 2026 across three separate coastal regions.
- Authorities seized fishing boats, equipment, engines, and catches including squid, shrimp, and sardines.
- Oman recently signed an agreement to hire 10,000 workers from Bangladesh, with 5,000 for the fisheries sector.
- Country reported 11,172 labor-rule violations in the first half of 2026, leading to 4,680 prosecution cases and 2,944 deportations.
Crackdown Across Coastal Regions
Oman’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources (MAFWR), supported by Security and Safety Corporation inspection teams, arrested nine expatriate workers for fisheries law violations during operations conducted between September 12 and September 15, 2026. The crackdown involved three separate incidents across coastal regions of the Sultanate.
On September 14, in the waters of Sarab near Mahout in the Al Wusta Governorate, a patrol intercepted a fishing boat carrying four expatriate workers caught fishing for squid. The ministry detained the workers, the vessel, and the seized catch.
On September 15, along the Juwairah coast near Jalan Bani Bu Hassan in South Al Sharqiyah, four expatriate workers abandoned their boat and attempted to flee when approached by a land patrol. Authorities seized a 60-horsepower engine and a quantity of shrimp, and legal proceedings have been initiated against the individuals.
Additionally, on September 12, off the coast of Duqm, a 25-foot fishing boat was intercepted with one expatriate worker engaged in fishing for sardines. The boat, the worker, and the fish were seized.
Fisheries Law Compliance and Labor Agreements
The MAFWR has issued a public reminder urging all fishermen to strictly comply with marine fishing laws and regulations. This enforcement action occurs as Oman moves to implement a recent agreement to hire 10,000 workers from Bangladesh, including 5,000 in the fisheries sector and 5,000 in agriculture. Omani officials are expected to visit Dhaka next month to finalize the implementation of this pact.
These arrests highlight ongoing scrutiny of expatriate labour in Oman. According to Muscat Daily, the country reported 11,172 labor-rule violations in the first half of 2026, leading to 4,680 prosecution cases and 2,944 deportations. Authorities emphasize that expatriates must hold valid work permits matching their specific occupations and operate only on licensed Omani vessels to avoid legal repercussions, including seizure of equipment and potential deportation.