RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – The number of Ugandan migrant workers in the Gulf countries has increased exponentially over the last decade, so have complaints of drug and human trafficking, wage theft, contract substitution, and other forms of exploitation.
Saudi Arabia is the biggest labour externalisation destination for Ugandan migrant workers, accounting for over 150000 workers. Public pressure on Uganda’s government to uplift the rights and welfare of its citizens abroad has resulted in new recruitment regulations and bilateral agreements with destination countries.
But enforcement both at origin and destination remains weak, exposing workers to high risks of debt bondage and related labour trafficking situations.
In line with the above, the Senior Presidential Advisor on Diaspora Affairs, Ambassador Abbey Walusimbi, who is on a working trip in the Middle East has visited and interacted with a group of distressed Ugandan migrant workers in Saudi Arabia, led by Abdallah Munnobi.
During the discussions, Ambassador Abbey Walusimbi, alongside officials from Uganda Embassy in Saudi, led by Ambassador Isaac Ssebulime, and Deputy Ambassador Sheikh Sulaiman Guggwa, focused on documenting distressed cases to facilitate the repatriation and reintegration of victims.
The group which comprised of runaway migrant workers, pregnant girls & women with children raised concerns about their vulnerability, and those detained for serious offences under Saudi law, like drug and human trafficking. Some have found themselves stranded without proper documentation, ending up in deportation centers or prisons.
Ugandan migrant workers also complained of high fees incurred during phone-based digital transactions; calling upon the government to engage mobile money service providers, in a bid to cut the costs incurred while sending money back home.
Walusimbi reassured that His Excellency President Museveni, through the Embassy in Riyadh, led by Ambassador Isaac Ssebulime, and Deputy Ambassador Sheikh Sulaiman Guggwa, continues to pay keen attention to the issue of enhancing the protection of Ugandan migrant workers abroad, and ensuring that labour migration is safe, secure, orderly and regular, particularly in Saudi Arabia.
He asked the distressed Ugandan migrant workers to remain calm, as the Embassy and Government of Saudi Arabia expedite the repatriation process, especially for those languishing in detention and deportation centres.
To those with contract complications and undesirable jobs, he revealed that stakeholders are scouting for new and improved job opportunities for them.
Ultimately, the Ambassador reaffirmed that government continues to pay keen attention to uplifting the welfare of its migrant workers; disclosing that he will be heading to UAE/Dubai, to meet and discuss with the Ugandan Diaspora community.
