The government decreased protection efforts. In 2018, two victims were identified (compared with 71 in 2017 and nine in 2016) after a large INTERPOL operation involving 13 countries; both victims received hygiene kits, shelter, and financial support. The anti-trafficking task force continued to provide law enforcement and social services officials with a checklist of the most common signs of trafficking. Multi-disciplinary teams comprised police, labor, and immigration officials continued to operate; however, the government did not report identifying any victims. In 2018, there was a mass influx of Venezuelan migrants and refugees overstaying their visa and working illegally, which likely affected Aruba’s efforts to combat trafficking. Although authorities reported screening illegal migrants for trafficking indicators ahead of deportation some members of civil society claimed to have seen an increase of trafficking victims seeking assistance. The government had a formal victim referral mechanism to guide officials; however, the government did not report referring victims using this mechanism. The government maintained informal verbal agreements with local NGOs and private sector accommodations to shelter adult and child victims of trafficking. Authorities placed unaccompanied child victims in foster care centers, foster homes, or local churches. Officials conducted risk assessments before deciding whether victims could leave shelters unchaperoned and restricted their movement if their lives were threatened. In 2017, the government began drafting a plan for the development of a multifunctional shelter for victims in the Dutch Caribbean; however, officials did not report any progress on the shelter in this reporting period. In 2018, the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) provided a portion of its funding for victim assistance; however, the government did not confirm the amount provided. Authorities reported one victim assisted the government in the prosecution of their traffickers during the reporting period. Although foreign victims were entitled to the same rights and protection as Arubans, the government did not report how many received benefits. The law authorized the extension of temporary immigration relief for foreign victims for three to six months on a case by case basis and allowed foreign victims whose employers were suspected of trafficking to change employers. Authorities did not report whether any victims received these benefits. The criminal code enabled victims to file civil suits against traffickers and if the trial resulted from a criminal investigation, the victim could seek compensation not to exceed 50,000 florin ($28,090) for financial and emotional damages. The Bureau of Victim Assistance operated a hotline for potential victims of all crimes, including trafficking; however, the government did not identify any victims using the hotline, compared with four in 2017.