Madam Speaker, I am informed by the Commissioner of Police that, for the period 01 January 2024 to 24 April 2026, a total of 26 cases of human trafficking have been reported. Out of these, prosecution has been initiated in four cases, of which three are currently under trial and one has resulted in conviction. The remaining cases are still under enquiry. With the increasing number of foreign workers in the country, the scourge of human trafficking presents a growing challenge which Government is addressing through strengthened enforcement coupled with enhanced legal and institutional framework as well as preventive measures. At policy level, the National Action Plan 2022-2026 for combatting human trafficking is being reviewed with the collaboration of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and amendments have been brought to the Combatting of Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Act to apply tougher penalties for perpetrators and enlarge the powers of investigation of the Police. Some of the key operational measures already in place to combat human trafficking are as follows – (i) vigilance is maintained at the airport and the harbour by the Passport and Immigration Office through vigorous screening. Around 5,330 passengers have been refused entry in Mauritius over the past two years for non-compliance of entry procedures and suspected irregular or unlawful intent; (ii) continuous crackdown operations are carried out by the Passport and Immigration Office Tracking Team to search for illegal/missing foreigners to prevent them to become the prey of traffickers. Since 01 January 2026, around 272 cracks down operations have been carried out and 2,138 foreigners have been arrested for illegal stay; (iii) reinforced coordination with key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Labour and Industrial Relations, the TIP Task Force of Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the TIP Unit of the Police and the Passport and Immigration Office for detection of cases of human trafficking as well as for sensitisation campaigns on the risk and indicators of human trafficking, and (iv) strengthening training and capacity-building of Police Officers, including dedicated modules in recruit courses, to enhance detection, investigation and prosecution of trafficking cases. Police Officers also benefit from international training courses from the United States Department of State and the IOM on Human Trafficking. Madam Speaker, with regard to protection of victims, I am informed that comprehensive mechanisms have been put in place to ensure their safety, care and rehabilitation. These include the provision of shelter facilities for both male and female victims, access to medical and psychological support, legal assistance and arrangements for education of minors in cases where victims are accompanied with their children. Victims are also provided with international communication facilities and, where appropriate, are safely repatriated to their country of origin. A victim-centred standard operating procedure has been implemented with the collaboration of the IOM and key stakeholders have been trained for the referral of cases of human trafficking as well as support to the victims. Furthermore, close collaboration is maintained with NGOs operating shelters, with dedicated Police liaison officers, regular monitoring, and necessary protection measures to ensure that victims are safeguarded and that there is no contact with alleged perpetrators. Cases of human trafficking are often complex in nature and require careful handling of victims to enable them to depone effectively before Court, which is the key to securing convictions. The Government remains fully committed to protecting victims and has put solid systems in place to combat this phenomenon.

Thank you. Yes, you are alright? Very good! Now, the hon. First Member for Savanne & Black River. INTERNATIONAL AIR TRAVEL ROUTES – MIDDLE EAST CRISIS IMPACT – STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP