The Dark Reality of Domestic Work: East African Women in Saudi Arabia

East African women seeking domestic jobs in Saudi Arabia are met with horrific conditions, leading to numerous deaths and reports of abuse. Despite being recruited through established channels, the dreams of these workers often turn into nightmares as they face violence, exploitation, and inadequate protection from their own governments.

As we journeyed through urban centers and rural communities in Kenya and Uganda, a troubling pattern emerged from the stories shared by young women aspiring to work as housekeepers or nannies in Saudi Arabia. Instead of finding safety and prosperity, many return home traumatized or lose their lives in the process.

Recent statistics reveal a staggering rate of mortality among Kenyan workers, with 274 deaths recorded over the past five years, alarming figures that include 55 fatalities just last year—an increase that demands scrutiny. Autopsies frequently leave more questions than answers; a Ugandan woman was discovered with bruising and signs of electrocution, yet her death was classified as "natural." Reports of women falling from heights only add to the grim narrative.

This situation is not merely an isolated incident; the domestic labor sector relies on a well-structured recruitment system regulated by both East African and Saudi authorities. Nevertheless, systemic issues within Saudi labor laws have been blamed for the environment of exploitation and abuse that these women face.

To better understand the depth of this crisis, our team conducted extensive interviews with over 90 workers and their families, alongside analyzing numerous employment contracts. The findings paint a distressing picture of women sold a false promise, expecting a brighter future, only to be ensnared in cycles of violence and despair. These revelations highlight the urgent need for reform within international labor practices, specifically those involving migrant domestic workers.