Amnesty International has called on the Kenyan government to ensure that its bilateral labour agreement with Saudi Arabia is firmly grounded in human rights and provides clear protections for domestic workers.
Speaking during the launch of a new report titled βLocked In, Left Out: The Hidden Lives of Kenyan Domestic Workers in Saudi Arabiaβ, Amnesty International Kenya Executive Director Irungu Houghton said many Kenyan women working in the Gulf nation have suffered inhumane treatment and abuse under exploitative labour conditions.
The report, released in Mombasa, documents the experiences of over 70 women who previously worked in Saudi Arabia. Their testimonies paint a grim picture of deceitful recruitment processes, brutal working environments, and physical, verbal, and sexual assault. βMany of these women count themselves lucky to have returned alive,β Houghton said.
He emphasized that Kenyaβs Labour Migration Policy must include a comprehensive protection framework that aligns with international standards. Key areas of concern include ethical recruitment practices, the employer-pays principle, decent working and living conditions, timely payment of wages, and access to justice.
Amnesty International is also urging the government to ratify the International Convention on the Rights of Migrant Workers and Their Families, to boost transparency and accountability in labour migration.In addition, Houghton called on lawmakers to fast-track the passage of the Kenyan Migrant Workers Welfare Fund, which is intended to offer financial and institutional support to migrant workers facing distress abroad.
He also recommended increased investment in safe houses and accessible complaint mechanisms for abused workers.
The report and calls to action come amid growing concern over the treatment of Kenyan domestic workers in Gulf countries, with Amnesty International insisting that any bilateral labour deals must prioritize the rights and dignity of workers.
