Working as a housekeeper or nanny is generally considered a safe profession in many countries. However, reports from Kenya and Uganda reveal a troubling trend among women seeking domestic jobs in Saudi Arabia, with many returning home injured, traumatized, or deceased.
In the past five years, at least 274 Kenyans, predominantly women, have died in Saudi Arabia, with 55 fatalities reported last year alone—double the number from the previous year. Autopsies have raised further concerns, as some deaths, including that of a Ugandan woman with signs of electrocution, were classified as “natural.” Numerous cases involve women falling from heights, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding these incidents.
The recruitment process for East African women is regulated by the governments of Uganda, Kenya, and Saudi Arabia, yet many women are misled about job conditions and wages. Interviews with over 90 workers and their families revealed that recruitment agencies often provide false information and require workers to sign contracts they cannot understand. Some agencies even market women as commodities, with websites displaying them for potential employers.
Upon arrival in Saudi Arabia, many women have their passports and personal belongings confiscated. While they are promised monthly wages of around $250, numerous workers reported being underpaid or denied wages altogether, with employers asserting ownership over them.
Investigations into the staffing agencies revealed connections to influential individuals, including high-ranking officials in Kenya and Uganda who have financial interests in these agencies. For instance, a member of the Kenyan Parliament, who also owns a staffing agency, has been involved in promoting the export of workers to Saudi Arabia while denying reports of abuse.
Despite mounting evidence of mistreatment, leaders in both countries, including Kenya's President, have committed to sending more workers abroad. Activists and human rights organizations have urged governments to negotiate better labor agreements with Saudi Arabia, but existing treaties offer minimal protections for workers.
Women who experience abuse often find themselves without recourse. Many reported severe mistreatment, including denial of food and physical violence. Although the Saudi government claims to protect workers, many women reported being unable to access legal resources, often being returned to their abusive employers.
In cases of serious injury or death, families face significant challenges in seeking justice. One Ugandan man recounted the painful choice he was given after his wife's death in Saudi Arabia: accept her body or receive her unpaid wages. He insisted on retrieving her remains, highlighting the emotional and financial toll on families affected by these tragedies.