Fatal Promises: The Dark Reality of Domestic Work in Saudi Arabia

A report reveals the grim reality faced by women from Kenya and Uganda who aspire for better livelihoods by working as domestic helpers in Saudi Arabia, shedding light on untold tragedies and insufficient government action.

On any given day in Kenya, the bustling Nairobi international airport is filled with women, eager to embark on what they hope is a life-changing journey. Clad in matching group shirts and sharing excited selfies, they discuss plans for their future earnings from jobs as housekeepers and nannies in Saudi Arabia. Promoted by enthusiastic recruiters and the Kenyan government, the allure of financial stability beckons. The narrative is clear: two years of hard work in Saudi Arabia could empower them to build homes, ensure their children receive proper education, and secure a bright future.

However, the reality these women face upon their return from Saudi Arabia is far from the dreams they nurtured. In stark contrast with the hopeful farewells, the arrivals area conveys a somber truth — many of these women return hollowed and defeated, victims of unpaid wages, physical abuse, starvation, and even sexual violence. Tragically, many do not return at all, with a reported 274 Kenyan workers, predominantly women, having died in Saudi Arabia over the past five years. The situation intensified last year, which witnessed 55 deaths, doubling the figure of 2022.

Autopsy reports add to the horror, often shrouding the causes of death in ambiguity. Many reports cite natural causes while revealing evidence of abuse, like burns and electric shocks. Among the unsettling descriptions that accompany these documents is the vague term "brain dead," raising questions about the true nature of these deaths. Furthermore, the plight of Ugandan workers adds another layer of obscurity, as their government refrains from disclosing mortality statistics.

The women are ostensibly protected by officials such as Fabian Kyule Muli, vice chairman of Kenya's National Assembly labor committee. This influential body holds the power to demand thorough investigations into these deaths, negotiate better labor protections with Saudi authorities, or even recommend a temporary halt on labor migration until necessary reforms are instituted. Yet, progress has been slow, leaving many questions unanswered at a time when urgent action is critical for the safety of these vulnerable workers.