Brunei Darussalam has been upgraded from the Tier 2 Watch List to Tier 2 in the United States Department of State’s 2026 Trafficking in Persons Report, marking a second consecutive year of improvement and making it the only ASEAN Member State to achieve an upgrade this year.
In a statement issued on October 10, the Prime Minister’s Office said the improved ranking reflected international recognition of the Government’s sustained commitment to combating trafficking in persons.
The report acknowledged several efforts, including the successful prosecution of traffickers under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, stronger investigations and screening to detect trafficking cases, improved identification and protection of victims, and closer coordination among security agencies. It also recognised the continued implementation of the National Plan of Action on Trafficking in Persons 2025–2029 as part of the country’s preventive efforts.
The Prime Minister’s Office attributed the achievement to close collaboration among security, enforcement and prosecution agencies under the National Committee on Trafficking in Persons (NCTIP).
Guided by the principle of the preservation of life (Hifz al-Nafs) under the Maqasid Syariah, Brunei Darussalam continues to adopt a Whole-of-Government and Whole-of-Nation approach to protect individuals from trafficking in persons.
The NCTIP will continue to strengthen prevention, victim protection and law enforcement, while deepening partnerships with stakeholders at the national, regional and international levels as Brunei Darussalam works towards achieving Tier 1 status.