Amnesty: Kenyan Domestic Workers in Saudi Arabia Face Racism, Abuse, and Forced Labor
New Report Alleges Widespread Exploitation, Sexual Violence, and Human Trafficking Against Kenyan Women in Saudi Households
Watan-In a report published Tuesday, Amnesty International stated that Kenyan domestic workers in Saudi Arabia are subjected to imprisonment, racism, and in some cases, rape—working under abusive conditions that often amount to forced labor and human trafficking.
The report’s release coincides with U.S. President Donald Trump’s official visit to Riyadh.
The NGO highlighted the harsh realities faced by over 70 women who have worked as domestic helpers in Saudi households.
According to the report, these women “faced horrific living conditions and inhumane treatment, including sexual, verbal, and physical abuse.”
Amnesty added: “Employers often confiscate their passports and phones, and in some cases, withhold their wages.”
The organization also accused the Kenyan government of complicity in the exploitation.
Amnesty Slams Saudi Abuse of Kenyan Workers Amid Racism, Rape, and Forced Labor Under Kafala System
Irungu Houghton, director of Amnesty’s Kenya branch, stated: “The Kenyan government actively promotes labor migration, while Saudi authorities claim they’ve implemented labor rights reforms.”
He continued: “However, behind closed doors, domestic workers still face shocking levels of racism, abuse, and exploitation.”
Amnesty International noted that the average monthly salary is just 900 Saudi riyals (about $240), excluding overtime—equivalent to roughly 50 cents per hour.
One of the interviewed workers said: “I have no freedoms. Once you enter, you never leave. You don’t go outside or see anything around you. It made me feel like I was in a prison.”
Many were denied food and forced to sleep in unsuitable conditions, such as a pantry or on the floor of a child’s bedroom.
Several women reported sexual assault, including one who said she had been raped five times by her employer’s husband.
Systemic Racism and Kafala Abuses Persist as Kenyan Workers Suffer in Silence in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia employs around 4 million domestic workers, all of whom are foreign nationals. About 150,000 of them are from Kenya, according to labor market data cited in the report.
Saudi Arabia’s kafala (sponsorship) system ties migrant workers’ legal status to their employers, making it extremely difficult for them to leave or change jobs. While some reforms have been introduced in recent years, Amnesty states that “strict restrictions still remain.”
The rights organization said it received no responses to inquiries sent to both Saudi and Kenyan authorities.
Agence France-Presse (AFP) also reported being unable to obtain comment from the Kenyan government, which actively promotes labor migration as a means to support its struggling economy.
