By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
RIYADH
The government has reassured Ugandan migrant workers facing hardship in Saudi Arabia of the government’s support to improve their welfare.
This was revealed by Ambassador Abbey Walusimbi, Senior Presidential Advisor on Diaspora Affairs, said during a recent visit to Saudi Arabia with the migrant workers in Uganda UAE to document cases of abuse and distress, a step aimed at supporting their repatriation and reintegration.
Saudi Arabia is the biggest labour externalization 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.
This was further highlighted by a diverse group of Ugandans including runaway workers, pregnant women, mothers with children, and those detained for serious offenses such as drug trafficking.
Workers who do not have proper documentation said they often end up in deportation centers or prisons after trying to flee abusive employers, and called for stronger government intervention. They also voiced concerns about the high fees associated with phone-based digital transactions, urging authorities to engage with mobile money providers to reduce costs for sending money back home.
In response, Amb. Walusimbi assured the workers that the government through the Ugandan Embassy in Riyadh and the Saudi Arabia government are working together to enhance protection of the rights Ugandan workers abroad, and ensuring that labour migration is safe, secure, orderly and regular, particularly in Saudi Arabia.
He encouraged those detained and those facing deportation to remain calm stating that the embassy is in talks with Saudi officials to expedite repatriation.
“For those dealing with contract disputes or unsatisfactory jobs, there are ongoing efforts to seek improved employment opportunities,” said Walusimbi.
He also disclosed his plan to visit the United Arab Emirates, where he will meet with the Ugandan diaspora community in Dubai to further address issues affecting migrant workers.
