By our reporter
NATIONAL
Hon. Esther Anyakun Davinia, the Minister of State for Labour, Employment, and Industrial Relations, has provided an update on the successful repatriation of Ugandan migrant workers from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This follows her recent ministerial and technical visit to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where significant progress was made in securing the release and safe return of Ugandans stranded in deportation centers and prisons across the Kingdom.
During the visit, from October 14 to 17, 2024, Hon. Davinia held productive discussions with H.E. Eng. Ahmed Alrajhi, the Saudi Minister of Human Resources and Social Development. As a result, Saudi Arabia agreed to pardon Ugandan migrant workers facing deportation. This agreement has already seen 146 Ugandans repatriated, with the latest group of 54 Ugandan girls arriving home this weekend aboard Air Arabia.
“This is a key development that underscores our commitment to the welfare of our citizens abroad,” said Hon. Davinia. “We continue to work diligently with our partners to ensure the safe return of all Ugandans still stranded in Saudi Arabia.”
The minister also highlighted the current amnesty granted to Ugandans in the UAE, which is set to expire in December 2024. She urged all Ugandans residing in the UAE without proper documentation or facing legal issues to take advantage of this opportunity to return home without incurring penalties.
“Our government, through the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, remains resolute in safeguarding the rights of Ugandan migrant workers abroad. We are collaborating with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to provide counselling, rehabilitation, and reintegration support for returnees,” Hon. Davinia emphasized.
The recent progress in repatriation efforts is a testament to Uganda’s dedication to ensuring that its workers are treated with respect and dignity. “The Ministry looks forward to continued dialogue and further collaboration with both the UAE and Saudi Arabia to strengthen labor relations and enhance the standards for labor externalization” said Esther Anyakun.
For Ugandans in need of assistance or seeking to take advantage of the amnesty, the Ministry advises proceeding to the nearest airport to arrange travel back to Uganda.
