OMANIS REQUEST VISIT TO U.S. DEPORTATION CENTER

UNCLAS MUSCAT 001014 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR ECA/PE/V/R/N, G/TIP, AND NEA/ARP ABU DHABI FOR W. WALLRAPP AND B. ADADA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PHUM OEXC KPAO PREL SMIG PBTS PREF MU SUBJECT: OMANIS REQUEST VISIT TO U.S. DEPORTATION CENTER REF: MUSCAT 1004 ¶1. This is an action request for Department of Homeland Security ICE and CBP. Please see para 4. ¶2. In response to recent requests by the Royal Oman Police (reftel),the Embassy seeks DHS assistance in arranging a senior-level Omani government delegation to visit immigration detention/deportation facilities in the U.S. with a specific focus on handling potential victims of trafficking in persons. ¶3. Oman deports over 10,000 illegal migrants every year. The Royal Oman Police (ROP),in an effort to learn more about international techniques in processing illegal migrants, including screening them for possible victims of human trafficking, is seeking an opportunity to visit U.S. facilities to observe U.S. Customs and Border Protection processes, including interviewing and investigation techniques. As part of their visit, the ROP Operations Officers would also be interested in visiting shelters, non-governmental organizations and other support services that aid victims of trafficking. ¶4. Action Request: The Embassy requests the assistance of DHS's Office of Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Human Trafficking Unit in facilitating a visit to relevant USG facilities and consultations with immigration and anti-trafficking officials. The Embassy would like to present the Omani government with a proposed agenda for a 1-2 week program to occur in early FY 07. This exchange program will not only buttress international protections against trafficking in persons, but also further solidify a growing relationship between USG and Oman customs and border protection personnel. GRAPPO