At least 274 Kenyan workers have died in Saudi Arabia over five years, mainly women involved in non-hazardous jobs. Reports indicate systemic abuse, including physical mistreatment and severe exploitation, often dismissed by authorities as ‘natural causes.’ The investigation reveals complicity of high-ranking individuals in the recruitment process, while Kenya and Uganda fail to protect their migrant workers effectively.
A report by the New York Times reveals that over the past five years, at least 274 Kenyan workers, predominantly women, have died in Saudi Arabia despite engaging in non-hazardous occupations. The incidents highlight alarming conditions faced by migrant workers from Kenya and Uganda, with many returning home bearing stories of severe abuses including unpaid wages, physical mistreatment, and even fatalities.
Each year, thousands of women from Kenya and Uganda migrate to Saudi Arabia for employment as domestic workers. However, reports indicate a disturbing trend of numerous deaths, where autopsies often reveal trauma indicative of violence, while Saudi authorities frequently classify these fatalities as resulting from “natural causes.”
The case of Kenyan worker Eunice Achieng, who died after a threatening call to her family, exemplifies the tragic circumstances. In another incident, Ugandan Aisha Meeme’s autopsy revealed extensive bruising and severe electrocution burns, yet her death was likewise categorized as “natural.” These instances raise urgent questions about the treatment of domestic workers and the systemic failures embroiling recruitment practices.
A significant part of the investigation highlights systemic abuse against domestic workers in Saudi Arabia, where Faridah Nassanga, a Ugandan housekeeper, alleged being raped and subsequently deported upon becoming pregnant. The New York Times investigation delineates how high-level figures, including members of the Saudi royal family, have substantial financial stakes in recruitment agencies and are perpetuating these abuses.
While some nations have established protective agreements for their migrant workers, Kenya and Uganda have notably lagged behind. Recent comments from a spokesperson for Kenya’s presidency suggest efforts to mitigate these issues, alongside a statement from the Saudi labour ministry condemning any form of domestic worker exploitation and pledging thorough investigations into allegations.
The situation of Kenyan and Ugandan workers in Saudi Arabia reflects a profound crisis of human rights, where numerous deaths are attributed to systemic abuse and negligence. Despite significant evidence and ongoing investigations, protective measures remain inadequate. Urgent action is required to hold accountable those responsible for these exploitative recruitment practices and to ensure the safety and welfare of migrant workers in the region.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
