Human Trafficking in Middle East

Human trafficking in the Middle East remains a serious concern, with an estimated 1.7 million people affected by modern slavery in the Arab States. The region has the highest prevalence rate globally, with forms of exploitation including forced labor, forced marriage, and domestic servitude. In the Gulf States, many migrant workers from South and Southeast Asia or East Africa experience exploitative labor conditions under the sponsorship (kafala) system. While some reforms have been introduced in countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia, challenges remain in ensuring consistent protections and effective victim identification.

In the Levant and Iraq, trafficking is closely tied to ongoing humanitarian crises. Conflict in Syria and Iraq has increased risks of forced recruitment and gender-based violence. Refugees and displaced persons, particularly women and children, face risks of early marriage, labor exploitation, and limited access to legal protection. Migrant domestic workers in Lebanon and Jordan are also exposed to risks of forced labor due to gaps in labor law coverage and enforcement.

North African countries such as Egypt, Libya, and Sudan also face trafficking challenges shaped by migration and internal vulnerabilities. Libya, as a key transit point, has seen persistent reports of abuse against migrants, especially in detention settings. In Egypt and Sudan, some children are involved in labor under exploitative conditions, and there are reports of organ trafficking and forced marriage in specific contexts. While legal frameworks exist in most countries, enforcement and victim assistance systems often require further development to respond effectively to the scope and complexity of trafficking in the region.