Dark Realities of Domestic Labor: East African Women Face Dire Conditions in Saudi Arabia

A troubling investigation highlights the severe abuses, including physical violence and exploitative labor conditions, that East African women endure while working as domestic workers in Saudi Arabia. With hundreds of deaths reported, the need for urgent reforms in labor laws is underscored.

Across the regions of Kenya and Uganda, women are leaving their homes with aspirations of better opportunities as domestic workers in Saudi Arabia. Instead, many return traumatized, injured, or even deceased. A shocking investigation reveals that at least 274 Kenyan women have died in Saudi Arabia within the past five years, with 55 fatalities recorded in just the previous year—indicative of a crisis affecting those seeking employment abroad.

Reports of unexplained deaths abound, such as that of a Ugandan woman whose body bore signs of trauma and severe bruising yet was classified as a “natural” death. Disturbingly, numerous women have perished after falls from various heights, including rooftops and balconies, raising grave concerns regarding their conditions of employment.

Despite the apparent regulation of this industry, with women recruited by reputable firms and sent through government oversight, the reality they face often differs drastically from expectations. The promise of work frequently devolves into descriptions of horrific experiences, fundamentally shaped by outdated labor laws and inadequate protections.

Through interviews with over 90 workers and their families, the investigative team seeks to uncover the truth behind the pervasive violence and suffering within this labor sector. This shocking reality highlights not only the failures of existing labor frameworks in addressing the needs and rights of domestic workers but also calls for immediate action and reforms to protect vulnerable populations from such grievous violations.