The plight of Kenyan domestic workers in Saudi Arabia

Amnesty International’s recent report details the abuse of Kenyan domestic workers in Saudi Arabia and accuses the Kenyan government of complicity, according to The Standard. Enduring imprisonment, racism, and sometimes rape, workers interviewed for the report spoke of conditions so horrific they add up to “forced labor and human trafficking.” 

Once you are inside, you never go out 

Domestic workers play an essential role in supporting working families in Saudi Arabia, a role integral to the country’s ongoing economic growth. Indeed, nearly 4 million domestic workers from Africa and Asia are currently living there, helping care for the children and homes of working families. 

But based on interviews with 72 Kenyan women in Saudi Arabia, the working conditions they face are inhumane. They often include sexual, verbal, and physical abuse on top of deprivation of food and freedom. 

The worker stated: 

“My employer called me ‘shaghala’ [servant] and declared, ‘I bought you. You belong to me, and you do what I say’.” 

The Amnesty report describes one of the root causes as “systemic racism” in the attitudes of Saudis toward Kenyans. Those interviewed said they were often called “animal” and “monkey” by members of the household.  

Another worker said: 

“I have no freedom, because once you are inside you never go out. You don’t go out and do not see out. This made me feel like it’s a prison.” 

According to the labor market statistics cited in the report, currently there are approximately 150,000 domestic workers from Kenya living in Saudi Arabia. Significantly, the kafala system hires the majority of these workers. This system is used across the Middle East and has been widely criticized for allowing structural racism and engendering racial hierarchies.  

Sold a dream then “plugged in” to isolation and exploitation  

Under the kafala system, workers are bound to a specific employer for their entire stay in a country. Basically, no matter how awful things are, they can’t escape the abuse unless they leave the country. Additionally, the report accuses the Kenyan government of being complicit in the exploitation of their people. 

Irungu Houghton, executive director of Amnesty International Kenya, stated: 

“The Kenyan government is actively encouraging labor migration, and the Saudi Arabian authorities claim that they have introduced labor rights reforms, yet behind closed doors domestic workers continue to face shocking levels of racism, abuse and exploitation.” 

The average monthly salary for the workers interviewed was 900 Saudi riyals ($240). The workers received no overtime, resulting in a meager hourly salary of 50 cents. Many reported experiencing food deprivation in addition to their poverty-level wages. In addition, they were forced to sleep in a cupboard, attic, or the floor of a child’s bedroom. The testimonies shine a light on the systemic disregard for domestic workers’ safety, dignity, and rights by both the Saudi Arabian government and the Kenyan government.

Take action!

Domestic work is an important source of employment, but exploitative situations are too often invisible behind the doors of private households and unprotected by national legislation. This allows for the worst types of abuse, often amounting to modern slavery.

Tougher rules to protect domestic workers are long overdue. By sending a message to the government of your country today, you can help start a domino effect until all countries take action. Sign the petition today!