Saudi Arabia has become a deadly destination for many East African domestic workers. Lured by staffing agencies promising decent jobs, many are trapped in domestic slavery facing conditions such as unpaid wages, physical abuse, restricted movement—and even death. Over the past five years, at least 274 Kenyan workers—mostly women—have died while working there. An unknown number of Ugandans have also died, but their government does not publish any official data.

Employer said he “bought her”

Migrant workers in Saudi Arabia remain trapped under the kafala (sponsorship) system, which ties their legal status to their employer. This system restricts their ability to change jobs, leave exploitative conditions, or return home without employer permission.

Margaret Mutheu Mueni, a Kenyan woman, endured abusive conditions under her Saudi employer including starvation and confiscation of her passport. Her employer even told her he had “bought her.” As reported by the Deccan Herald, when she turned to her recruitment agency for assistance, they responded:

“You can swim across the Red Sea and get yourself back to Kenya.”

Another young woman, a mother, broke her back after jumping from a third-story rooftop to escape an abusive boss. Yet another said her employer raped her, then sent her home pregnant and without pay.

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