(Kampala) – The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has granted a 90-day amnesty period allowing undocumented Ugandan workers to return home without facing fines or detention. The amnesty, in place until December 2024, provides a temporary solution for Ugandans without proper documentation or those with legal issues in the UAE.
Ugandan State Minister for Labour, Employment, and Industrial Relations, Esther Anyakun, made this announcement on November 11 at a press briefing in Kampala. She emphasized the importance of undocumented Ugandans utilizing this window to return home safely, advising them to seek assistance from the Ugandan embassy or to go directly to the nearest UAE airport to arrange their departure.
To support the returnees, Anyakun stated that the Ministry of Labour is collaborating with the International Organisation for Migration. This partnership aims to facilitate not only safe passage but also counseling, rehabilitation, and reintegration programs for those coming back to Uganda.
Although the exact number of undocumented Ugandan workers expected to benefit from the amnesty was not disclosed, the minister highlighted the government’s commitment to ensuring the welfare of Ugandans living and working abroad. This amnesty is seen as an essential step in addressing the challenges facing Ugandan migrant workers in the Gulf region, where many endure difficult and often dangerous working conditions.
| Key Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Amnesty Duration | 90 days, until December 2024 |
| Location for Assistance | Ugandan embassy or UAE airports |
| Support Services for Returnees | Counseling, rehabilitation, reintegration |
| Partnering Organization | International Organisation for Migration |
Ugandan labor migration to the Middle East has surged in recent years, especially among those seeking employment in countries like the UAE. However, these migrant workers often face harsh realities, including low wages and inadequate protections. The amnesty is timely, as documented cases reveal alarming rates of mistreatment and abuse, from physical torture to severe psychological distress.
The Gulf region’s dependence on foreign labor has created a vast workforce primarily engaged in low-paying, labor-intensive jobs. Tragically, many Ugandan migrants endure harrowing experiences. Numerous reports detail incidents of abuse, including physical and sexual violence. Some migrants return home with severe physical, emotional, and psychological trauma.
In one notable case from April 2020, a journalist from Vision Group went undercover and documented firsthand the mistreatment faced by Ugandan migrant workers in the Gulf. The resulting stories shed light on the harsh conditions many migrants face, prompting calls for better protection and support for Ugandans working abroad.
Despite the ongoing issues, Ugandan workers continue to migrate to the Gulf, driven by limited economic opportunities at home. For many, the prospect of earning a higher income outweighs the potential risks, even in the face of reported abuses. Minister Anyakun’s call for undocumented Ugandans to take advantage of the amnesty reflects Uganda’s commitment to improving the welfare of its citizens, whether at home or abroad.
The Ugandan government has continued to urge citizens to carefully assess the risks associated with foreign employment and to seek assistance if facing mistreatment. The current amnesty offers a crucial opportunity for undocumented Ugandans to safely return home, where they can access support services and begin the process of rebuilding their lives.
