Some 64 per cent of those interviewed, believed there were potential victims open to abuse by traffickers due to their weakness and their desperate need for basic requirements of life.

Nearly 60 per cent stressed the need for shelters to rehabilitate and support the victims while 59 per cent said they were following the news about cases related to human trafficking. Approximately 40 per cent acknowledged the daunting challenges the UAE is facing to eradicate the heinous crime.

Legally, 23 per cent were in favour of handing out the most severe penalties to traffickers. Some 49 per cent believed there is a delicate thin thread between crimes of human trafficking and prostitution.