Saudi Arabia plans to pardon an unspecified number of Ugandan migrants incarcerated in deportation centers, following diplomatic negotiations with Uganda. The exact figure will be confirmed within 60 days after verification of Ugandans residing in Saudi Arabia. The announcement aims to alleviate the concerns of families regarding their loved ones’ fates in the Kingdom, where numerous Ugandans face challenging labor conditions and allegations of being trafficked illegally.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has consented to pardon a number of Ugandan nationals currently incarcerated in deportation centers and prisons, in a gesture that follows diplomatic meetings between Ugandan and Saudi officials. This development is anticipated to alleviate the plight of many Ugandan families who have been concerned about their relatives stranded in Saudi Arabia, where approximately 150,000 Ugandans, primarily employed as domestic workers, reside. The exact number of individuals to be pardoned will be ascertained within 60 days following a verification process of the Ugandan population in the country. Uganda’s State Minister for Labour, Employment and Industrial Relations, Ms. Esther Anyakun, officially stated, “I have the pleasure to announce that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has agreed to pardon Ugandan migrant workers who have been stranded in deportation centres and prisons across the country.” This decision was reached after extensive negotiations between officials, highlighting concerns over illegal trafficking and human rights abuses faced by migrants. Reports indicate that despite the legal migration agreements between Uganda and Saudi Arabia, many individuals have been subjected to severe exploitation, with allegations of human rights violations including abuse, unpaid wages, and, in some tragic cases, loss of life. Furthermore, some Ugandan nationals are accused of serious offenses in Saudi Arabia, including drug trafficking and other criminal activities, complicating the landscape for those seeking reentry into Uganda. To prevent future illegal trafficking, Ugandan authorities have established a committee involving security agencies, the Ministry of Labour, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, focusing on safeguarding the rights and welfare of labor migrants abroad. In parallel, the Ugandan judiciary has mandated labor export companies to ensure the security and rights of individuals they employ overseas.
Saudi Arabia serves as a significant destination for labor migrants from Uganda, with an estimated 150,000 Ugandans currently residing in the Kingdom. Many of these individuals, primarily women, are engaged in domestic work. Despite established labor agreements allowing for legal migration, issues such as illegal trafficking and human rights violations have plagued this demographic, necessitating urgent diplomatic intervention and reforms in labor export practices. The recent negotiations between Uganda and Saudi Arabia represent a crucial step towards addressing these challenges and ensuring the safety and welfare of Ugandan nationals abroad.
The decision by Saudi Arabia to pardon Ugandan individuals held in incarceration marks a crucial step towards addressing the ongoing issues associated with the treatment and rights of Ugandan migrants in the Kingdom. As verification processes are set to begin, the expected repatriation of those pardoned represents hope for many Ugandan families. Furthermore, ongoing efforts by Ugandan authorities to combat trafficking and ensure the rights of labor migrants point toward a more secure future for those seeking employment abroad.
Original Source: www.monitor.co.ug
