Uganda-Saudi deal offers hope to stranded migrant workers
Ugandan migrant workers have long faced issues such as abuse, exploitation, and delayed wages under Saudi Arabia’s strict kafala system, which has been widely criticized by human rights organizations.
In a breakthrough agreement, Uganda and Saudi Arabia have pledged to repatriate hundreds of Ugandan migrant workers currently held in Saudi deportation centers and prisons.
Signed by Uganda’s Minister of State for Labour, Esther Anyakun Davinia, and Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Human Resources, Ahmed Alrajhi, the pact offers clemency for those detained for minor offenses, prioritizing women with children born in Saudi Arabia.
While the deal excludes those convicted of serious crimes such as drug trafficking and murder, it focuses on non-capital offenses, aiming to bring relief to families eagerly awaiting the return of their loved ones.
Ugandan migrant workers have long faced issues such as abuse, exploitation, and delayed wages under Saudi Arabia’s strict kafala system, which has been widely criticized by human rights organizations.
Uganda’s government has been actively negotiating labor agreements with Middle Eastern nations to safeguard its workers’ rights.
The Ugandan diaspora in the Middle East, estimated at 170,000 people, plays a crucial role in the economy through remittances.
Minister Anyakun emphasized the importance of ensuring that Ugandan workers are treated with dignity and called for stricter enforcement of labor standards in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia, under international pressure to reform its labor practices, sees the agreement as a step toward strengthening bilateral ties and addressing humanitarian concerns.
Families in Uganda have expressed relief and gratitude. “I’m overjoyed to hear that my daughter will finally come home,” said Margaret Namugerwa, whose daughter has been detained for over a year.
The implementation of the pardon is expected to begin in the coming weeks, bringing hope to many Ugandan families.
