Thousands of women from Kenya and Uganda migrate to Saudi Arabia annually, seeking employment opportunities as domestic workers. Many hope to secure a better future for their families, believing the promises of lucrative wages and good working conditions made by recruitment agencies. However, numerous reports have surfaced highlighting the harsh realities, including mistreatment, withheld salaries, and even physical abuse.
For decades, African countries have supplied domestic workers to Gulf nations, with Saudi Arabia being one of the primary destinations. The demand for foreign domestic workers remains high in Saudi homes, where they are often tasked with cooking, cleaning, and childcare. The need for cheap labor has led to an increase in recruitment agencies actively seeking young women from economically disadvantaged backgrounds in Africa.
While the promise of a steady income is attractive, the reality upon arrival in Saudi Arabia is often drastically different. Many workers report being overworked, with some expected to labor up to 18 hours a day without breaks. In more extreme cases, some women have been physically assaulted, denied food, and even subjected to sexual harassment. The restrictive “kafala” sponsorship system, which ties a worker’s visa and legal status to their employer, further exacerbates their vulnerability.
The Promises vs. The Reality
Recruitment agencies often promise attractive salaries, comfortable working conditions, and supportive employers. Many domestic workers sign contracts that assure them fair pay and humane treatment. However, once they arrive, they realize that the terms of their employment may be significantly different from what they were initially promised.
Some employers withhold wages or deduct money for alleged “expenses.” Others confiscate workers’ passports, preventing them from leaving abusive situations. With no legal right to switch jobs without their employer’s permission, many women find themselves trapped, with no easy way to seek help. Cases of forced labor and human trafficking have also been reported, with some workers being passed from one employer to another without their consent.
For many, the only option for escape is to flee and seek help at their home country’s embassy. However, the journey to the embassy can be risky. Many runaways are detained by Saudi authorities for violating their visa conditions, which often results in deportation without compensation for months or even years of unpaid labor.
Government Responses and Interventions
In response to mounting concerns over the treatment of domestic workers, both the Kenyan and Ugandan governments have taken steps to protect their citizens. Uganda, for instance, has implemented bans on sending domestic workers to Saudi Arabia in the past, following multiple reports of abuse and deaths under suspicious circumstances. However, enforcement remains a challenge. Many women, desperate for work, continue to seek opportunities abroad, sometimes using unregulated and illegal channels.
Similarly, Kenya has engaged in labor agreements with Saudi Arabia to improve the conditions for domestic workers. In recent years, Kenya has attempted to formalize labor export processes, ensuring that workers receive pre-departure training and are fully aware of their rights before traveling abroad. Kenyan authorities have also pushed for better diplomatic support for their citizens facing difficulties in Saudi Arabia. Despite these measures, reports of abuse persist, indicating that existing protections may not be sufficient.
Reforms in Saudi Arabia
In an attempt to address concerns surrounding the treatment of migrant domestic workers, Saudi Arabia has introduced several reforms. One of the most significant changes has been the introduction of mandatory contract insurance for domestic workers, aimed at protecting both employers and employees. This insurance is designed to cover instances where a worker is unable to perform their duties due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness or injury.
Additionally, Saudi authorities have attempted to reduce recruitment costs and eliminate exploitative middlemen by implementing online recruitment platforms. These platforms are intended to provide greater transparency in the hiring process, ensuring that workers receive fair compensation and are employed under legal contracts.
Despite these efforts, critics argue that the reforms do not go far enough. Many workers still face significant barriers when attempting to report abuse, and the power dynamics in employer-worker relationships remain unbalanced. The kafala system, although partially reformed, still allows employers to exercise a significant degree of control over domestic workers, making it difficult for them to escape abusive situations.
Persistent Challenges and the Road Ahead
Even with reforms in place, challenges persist. Many workers are still subjected to exploitative conditions, including being forced to work for multiple households without additional pay. Some women who have escaped abusive employers have shared their experiences of being locked inside homes, starved, or physically assaulted when they tried to protest.
Another major issue is the confiscation of passports by employers. Although Saudi labor laws prohibit this practice, it remains widespread. Without their passports, many workers are unable to leave their employers or seek help from authorities. Additionally, many migrant domestic workers struggle to access legal assistance due to language barriers and the fear of retaliation.
Human rights organizations continue to call for stronger protections for domestic workers in Saudi Arabia, including better access to legal representation, the establishment of safe shelters for abused workers, and stricter enforcement of labor laws. Advocates also urge labor-exporting countries like Kenya and Uganda to strengthen regulations surrounding recruitment agencies and improve monitoring mechanisms to prevent exploitation before workers even leave their home countries.
The Economic Implications
Despite the risks, many women continue to seek employment in Saudi Arabia due to the economic opportunities it provides. The wages earned by domestic workers are often significantly higher than what they could earn in their home countries, allowing them to support their families and invest in their futures.
Remittances from Saudi Arabia form a crucial part of Kenya and Uganda’s economies. These funds help pay for education, healthcare, and other essential expenses. Recognizing the financial importance of this labor migration, some governments have hesitated to impose outright bans, instead opting for regulatory measures that aim to make migration safer.
In 2024, Saudi Arabia reduced the maximum recruitment fees for Kenyan domestic workers, a move intended to make hiring more affordable for Saudi families while also increasing the demand for Kenyan labor. While this could lead to more job opportunities, there are concerns that lower wages might also mean reduced protections and increased vulnerabilities for workers.
Conclusion
The plight of Kenyan and Ugandan domestic workers in Saudi Arabia highlights the complexities of labor migration. While the opportunity to earn a living abroad is appealing, the risks associated with exploitative labor conditions cannot be ignored. Comprehensive measures, including stricter enforcement of labor laws, better regulation of recruitment agencies, and bilateral agreements that prioritize worker welfare, are essential to protecting the rights and dignity of these migrant workers.
Governments, human rights organizations, and international labor bodies must continue working together to create a safer and more just working environment for domestic workers worldwide. Until then, thousands of women will continue to take the risk, hoping that their journey abroad will lead to a brighter future rather than a nightmare.
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