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The minster said that most detainees had violated Sharia law, which governs many Arab countries
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By Our Reporter
In an ongoing effort to repatriate distressed migrant workers, the Ugandan government has launched a diaspora mapping exercise to document and expedite the repatriation process. On Monday, the State Minister for Labour, Employment, and Industrial Relations, Esther Davinia Anyakun, announced the return of another group of Ugandans previously detained in various prisons in Saudi Arabia, bringing the total number repatriated so far to 146. Last week, 57 individuals had been returned from the same country.
Addressing the press at the Uganda Media Centre on Monday, Anyakun stated that the repatriated Ugandans had recently been pardoned by the Saudi government. “This repatriation of 146 Ugandans represents significant progress and highlights the Ugandan government’s dedication to the well-being of its citizens overseas,” she said.
Anyakun stated that the repatriated Ugandans had recently been pardoned by the Saudi government
Anyakun, one of the key government officials leading the repatriation efforts following a bilateral agreement to pardon Ugandan migrant workers, explained that most detainees had violated Sharia law, which governs many Arab countries.
The minister urged Ugandans in similar situations to take advantage of the 90-day pardon window offered by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, along with amnesty from the UAE for those without proper documentation or facing legal issues.
“Those who wish to take advantage of this amnesty should proceed to the nearest airport and arrange their travel back,” Anyakun advised.
In a previous statement, Senior Presidential Advisor on Diaspora Affairs, Ambassador Abbey Walusimbi, indicated that they are continuing negotiations with authorities in the Gulf states to repatriate workers suffering due to poor living and working conditions. "We will extend the repatriation efforts to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Jordan, Iran, and beyond."
Walusimbi emphasized the need for collaboration and coordination among stakeholders, given the plight of Ugandan migrant workers in the Gulf states.
“The documented cases of distressed Ugandans, especially domestic workers, necessitate expedited repatriation and reintegration,” Walusimbi noted, cautioning against individuals involved in trafficking unsuspecting Ugandans.
Government data suggests that Uganda has a significant diaspora in the Gulf, with an estimated 31,372 nationals departing for the Middle East annually over the past nine years—approximately 84% of whom are women. Saudi Arabia, hosting over 200,000 Ugandan migrant workers, remains the largest destination for Ugandan labor migrants.
Returnees. Saudi Arabia, hosting over 200,000 Ugandan migrant workers, remains the largest destination for Ugandan labor migrants
Currently, about 1,000 Ugandans are detained across the Middle East on charges including theft, contract substitution, and trafficking. Of these, 720 are in Saudi Arabia, 180 in Dubai, and 62 in Qatar.
Walusimbi expressed optimism that over 742 distressed migrant workers would be returned from Saudi Arabia by January 2025. “His Excellency President Museveni is committed to enhancing the protection of migrant workers. The Office of the President and Ministry of Gender are actively working to strengthen Uganda's labor migration governance domestically and internationally. We are negotiating with host governments and are committed to ensuring that no Ugandan remains in distress.”
Walusimbi added that efforts are underway to seek better-skilled job opportunities for Ugandan workers. “Alongside Hon. Esther Anyakun, we are exploring new and improved job placements for those facing contract disputes and unfavorable working conditions,” he said.
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