- By Aditi Priya Singh
- Mon, 02 Jun 2025 11:38 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Prostitution Laws In Different Countries: Every year, International Sex Workers Day is celebrated on June 2nd to increase awareness of the safety, rights and dignity of sex workers worldwide. People gather on this day to draw attention to the hardships that sex workers endure and to call for improved safety, equitable treatment and legal assistance. Sex work still carries a strong social stigma and is viewed differently in different countries, even though it is one of the oldest occupations. While some countries provide sex workers with legal protection and healthcare, others criminalise or disregard their existence, forcing them into unsafe situations.
Sex work is still a complicated and divisive topic worldwide in 2025. It is frequently difficult for sex workers to work safely in powerful nations like the US, India, Japan, the UK and France because of their mixed or restrictive policies. However, nations such as Germany, the Netherlands and New Zealand have taken action to legalise and control sex work, providing improved protection and rights for those who engage in the industry. In contrast, sex work is still strictly prohibited and frequently punishable by severe penalties in nations like Saudi Arabia, Russia, China and South Korea.
This article explores the laws about sex work in significant and powerful countries in close detail. Our goal is to give readers a better understanding of how various governments handle this problem and how those policies impact the lives of sex workers. We can move one step closer to equality and justice for all by raising awareness.
Countries with Limited Legality For Sex Workers
-1748844055172.jpg)
Laws for sex workers in different countries (Image: Canva)
India
Sex work is not completely illegal in India, but many related activities like running a brothel or soliciting in public are banned. This puts sex workers in a grey area with little legal protection.
Japan
Prostitution is technically illegal in Japan, but laws are often bypassed. Some sexual services are allowed under the name of “entertainment” or “escort services,” creating a legal loophole.
United Kingdom
Selling sex is legal in the UK, but things like pimping, brothel-keeping and street solicitation are illegal. This limits how sex workers can operate safely.
France
France banned buying sex in 2016, not selling it. This model aims to reduce demand but critics say it forces sex work underground and increases risks for workers.
Canada
Selling sex is legal, but buying it or profiting from someone else’s sex work is not. This makes it hard for sex workers to work safely or seek help when needed.
Australia
Laws differ from state to state. Some areas legalise sex work and allow regulated brothels, while others treat it as illegal or heavily restricted.
Singapore
Prostitution is permitted in designated areas, but strict regulations apply. Many sex workers outside these areas can face arrest or deportation if they are foreign.
Countries Where Prostitution is Legal
-1748844070406.jpg)
Laws for sex workers in different countries (Image: Canva)
Germany
Prostitution is fully legal and regulated. Sex workers can register, access healthcare and work in licensed brothels.
Switzerland
Sex work is legal and well-regulated. Workers pay taxes and can get health benefits, making it safer and more transparent.
Turkey
Prostitution is legal in Turkey, and sex workers must be registered. However, illegal and unregulated sex work still exists.
Bangladesh
Prostitution is legal in Bangladesh and the country even has government-recognised brothels. However, social stigma remains strong.
Netherlands
Sex work is fully legal. Amsterdam’s Red Light District is famous for its regulated sex industry. Workers have rights and protection.
Greece
Sex work is legal and regulated, but sex workers must register and undergo health checks to operate legally.
Hong Kong
Prostitution is legal, but brothels and soliciting are banned. This makes the work legal in theory, but it is risky in practice.
African Republic
In some African countries, like the Central African Republic, prostitution is legal, but a lack of enforcement and safety is still a big issue.
New Zealand
New Zealand fully legalised sex work in 2003. Sex workers have strong legal rights and can work without fear of prosecution.
Countries Where Prostitution is Illegal
-1748844108843.jpg)
Laws for sex workers in different countries (Image: Canva)
China
Prostitution is banned in China. Both workers and clients face punishment, and sex work is driven underground.
Russia
Sex work is illegal in Russia, though it is widespread. Authorities often ignore it unless it involves trafficking or public complaints.
UAE and Saudi Arabia
Prostitution is strictly illegal due to Islamic laws. Penalties can include jail, fines or even corporal punishment.
South Africa
Sex work is currently illegal, but there is ongoing debate about decriminalisation. Sex workers often face police harassment.
South Korea and North Korea
Both countries criminalise sex work. In South Korea, even “room salons” face crackdowns and sex workers face legal action.
Maldives, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Pakistan, Bhutan
These South Asian countries and India's neighbours generally ban prostitution on moral or religious grounds. Sex workers often lack any legal support.
Legal and Illegal Both: United States
United States
Prostitution laws vary by state. It is mostly illegal, except in some counties of Nevada, where it is legal and regulated. The legal grey area makes sex work risky in most parts of the country.
2025's International Sex Workers' Day emphasises the need for reform and global awareness. Strong nations have different stances on sex work, ranging from outright bans to decriminalisation. The event promotes a more just and equitable society for all by highlighting the importance of inclusive policies and community support in safeguarding sex workers from violence and exploitation and advocating for their human rights, safety and dignity.