A landmark agreement between Uganda and Saudi Arabia will see hundreds of Ugandan migrant workers stranded in Saudi deportation centers and prisons pardoned and repatriated.
According to a report first broken by UG Standard, the pact focuses on clemency for non-capital offenses, prioritizing women with children born in Saudi Arabia and those detained for minor infractions. Ugandans sentenced for serious crimes, such as drug trafficking and murder, are excluded.
Ugandan migrant workers in Saudi Arabia have long faced challenges, including physical and emotional abuse, exploitation, delayed or withheld wages, and harsh working conditions. Human rights groups have criticized Saudi Arabia’s kafala system, which places foreign workers under their employers’ control.
“This agreement marks a significant milestone in our efforts to protect Ugandan migrant workers,” said Esther Anyakun Davinia, Uganda’s Minister of State for Labour. “We have worked tirelessly to address the issues facing our citizens in Saudi Arabia, and this deal is a major breakthrough.”
The Ugandan government has been working to address these issues, amending recruitment regulations and signing bilateral agreements with Saudi Arabia and the UAE to govern domestic worker employment.
Ahmed Alrajhi, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Human Resources, emphasized his country’s commitment to improving labor conditions. “We recognize the importance of protecting migrant workers’ rights and are committed to implementing reforms.”
The pardon is expected to bring relief to families in Uganda awaiting the return of their loved ones. “I’m overjoyed to hear that my daughter will finally come home,” said Margaret Namugerwa, whose daughter has been detained in Saudi Arabia for over a year.
Saudi Arabia has faced international pressure to reform its labor policies. This agreement is seen as a positive step toward improving bilateral ties and addressing humanitarian issues.
The deal is expected to be implemented in the coming weeks.
