Nairobi, Kenya – May 14, 2025
A damning new report by Amnesty International has brought to light the harrowing experiences of over 70 Kenyan women employed as domestic workers in Saudi Arabia. The report documents a pattern of widespread abuse, including deceptive recruitment practices, denial of rest, withholding of wages, and inhumane living and working conditions.
According to Amnesty, many of the women were lured by promises of well-paying jobs, only to find themselves subjected to exploitative environments upon arrival in the Gulf nation. The report reveals that some workers were confined to their employers’ homes, forced to work excessive hours without breaks, and in several cases, denied access to medical care or communication with their families.
“This is a crisis rooted in a lack of oversight and a failure to protect vulnerable workers,” said Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa. “The stories we have documented are horrifying and unacceptable. The Kenyan and Saudi governments must act swiftly to reform labor policies, enforce accountability, and protect migrant workers from further harm.”
Many of the abuses are linked to the notorious kafala (sponsorship) system, which ties migrant workers’ legal status to their employers and leaves them at risk of exploitation. Amnesty’s report calls for the abolition of the kafala system and the establishment of independent monitoring mechanisms to safeguard workers’ rights.
In Kenya, the revelations have reignited public outcry over the country’s reliance on overseas employment as a solution to domestic unemployment. Lawmakers and civil society groups are urging the Ministry of Labour and Foreign Affairs to reassess bilateral labor agreements with Gulf states and improve pre-departure training and screening processes for recruitment agencies.
“This is a wake-up call,” said human rights advocate Sarah Mbote. “Kenya cannot continue to send its daughters into slavery under the guise of economic opportunity.”
In response to the report, Amnesty is urging both Kenya and Saudi Arabia to:
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Strengthen bilateral labor protections.
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Regulate and monitor recruitment agencies.
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Provide accessible complaint mechanisms for workers.
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Ensure prompt investigation and prosecution of abusive employers.
As the global spotlight shines on these abuses, pressure continues to mount for immediate and long-term reforms to ensure the safety and dignity of all migrant workers.