In September 2023, the UAE government promulgated Federal Decree by Law No. 24 of 2023 on Combating Human Trafficking, which repealed Federal Law No. 51 of 2006 concerning Combating Human Trafficking Offences. This new Decree, which went into effect on 16 September 2023, expands the definition of human trafficking, enhances penalties against perpetrators, and introduces new crimes that were not mentioned in the previous law. Furthermore, it strengthens victim support and assistance, including witness protection, and itcontains a reference to aggravating circumstances, including if the victim is a pregnant woman.

Article 4 of the UAE’s recently adopted Federal Decree by Law No. 24 of 2023 on Combating Human Trafficking stipulates measures and procedures to be taken at all stages of collecting evidence, investigation, and trial of human trafficking offences:

• Informing the victim and witness of the legal rights thereof in a language they understand, while providing them with the opportunity to express legal and social needs thereof;

• Presenting the victim to medical authorities to receive psychological or physical treatment if it becomes apparent that the victim is in need of that or based on request thereof.

Moreover, the victim shall be admitted to a medical or psychological rehabilitation centre if necessary;

• The victim shall be lodged in an accommodation centre if the victim is found to need that;

• Providing the necessary security protection for the victim and witness whenever they are in a need thereof;

• Keeping the foreign victim or witness in the country if the investigation or trial requires this based on an order from the Public Prosecution or the Court, as the case may be;

• Appointing an attorney by the court for the victim based on the victim request to file a civil claim for compensation for the damage, and the state shall bear the fees thereof as contained in the Penal Code;

• Considering the provision of educational assistance to the victim, especially children and persons with disabilities, if necessary;

• In all cases, the court shall take measures to ensure that victims and witnesses are protected and not influenced in accordance with the provisions of the Law on the Protection of Witnesses and the like.