PHILIPSBURG--One family has seen their circumstances improved since December 2. Not only are they survivors of human trafficking, they are now in possession of a temporary residency permit, the first of its kind to be issued by the Justice Ministry.
The family is allowed to remain in the country for the duration of the criminal investigation and resulting legal proceedings.
The family, whose identity has not been revealed by the Ministry, received the permit under the country’s human trafficking victim protection regulation.
The National Reporting Bureau (NRB) for Human Trafficking was informed of the family’s case and on investigation it was deemed “a form of exploitation,” according to a press statement from the Justice Ministry.
NRB, a branch of the Justice Ministry, has been steadfast in informing the community about the country’s human trafficking victim protection regulation which was published in the National Gazette (“Landscourant”) in September 2014.
Persons who are victims of human trafficking can contact NRB directly about their circumstances. A temporary residence permit will be granted for the criminal investigation.
Article 7.5 of the National Ordinance on Admittance and Expulsion explains the procedures to apply for a temporary residence permit. Through the temporary residency regulation, survivors are encouraged to assist in the investigation and prosecution of suspected human traffickers.
Human trafficking is the acquisition of people by improper means such as force, fraud or deception, with the aim of exploiting them.
To report a suspected case of human trafficking, call 542-1553 or e-mail
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . All calls and e-mails are kept confidential.
The NRB office at A.Th. Illidge Road 6 is open from 8:00am to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday.
