Investigating the Harrowing Realities of Domestic Workers in Saudi Arabia

This article uncovers the grim reality of East African domestic workers who endure violence and exploitation in Saudi Arabia, raising questions about the responsibilities of recruiting agencies and labor laws.

As we traversed the regions of Kenya and Uganda, we encountered disturbing narratives regarding women seeking employment as housekeepers and nannies in Saudi Arabia. In a profession typically considered safe in many nations, the tragic accounts we gathered revealed a shocking trend: women embarking on hopeful journeys for better livelihoods often return traumatized, injured, or sometimes, not at all.

Recent reports indicate that at least 274 Kenyan women have lost their lives in Saudi Arabia over the past five years, with 55 fatalities reported just last year. Disturbingly, many of these deaths have been deemed "natural" despite evidence of abuse. Autopsies showed one woman's death tied to signs of electrocution, and another who fell from a significant height under suspicious circumstances.

The workers are recruited through reputable companies, sanctioned by the governments of Kenya, Uganda, and Saudi Arabia, raising significant questions about the industry’s oversight. Worker activists have attributed the plight of women to outdated Saudi labor regulations, but after extensively interviewing over 90 individuals and scrutinizing employment contracts, we began to explore broader systemic issues that contribute to this modern-day tragedy.

For the women we spoke to, the journey often starts with the promise of a brighter future but instead leads them into a nightmarish reality of abuse and neglect. This exposé aims to shed light on the urgent need for reform in how domestic workers are treated and the responsibilities of those who profit from their labor.