Saudi Labor Dispute Turns into Sh1.08 Million Debt for Stranded Kenyans

Two Kenyan nationals Evanson Kariuki and Said Olunga stranded in Saudi Arabia have requested the government's assistance to come back home as they are prohibited from leaving due to a Sh 1.08 million 'debt'.

The men, aged 32 and 48 respectively, find themselves unable to return home due to a substantial alleged debt of 15,750 Riyals (approximately Sh540,265) each, totalling Sh1.08 million. Kariuki and Olunga embarked on their journey to Saudi Arabia in November 2020, securing positions as truck drivers under two-year contracts. However, their employment was prematurely terminated in November 2022, a situation they attribute to their inquiries regarding delayed salary payments and the non-renewal of their residence cards. The men claim that their employer withheld their passports and confiscated their truck keys in response to these inquiries.

According to the contract documents, the Kenyans were to receive a monthly salary of 1200 Saudi Riyals (Sh41,164) plus a food allowance of 200 Saudi Riyals (Sh6,860). However, Olunga alleges that they were only paid 800 Riyals, with the employer justifying the deductions as payments for traffic violation fees. Initially part of a larger group of seven Kenyans, five of their compatriots were subsequently deported, leaving Kariuki and Olunga in the Gulf country. The men sought assistance from Kenya's Labour Attaché in Saudi Arabia, who advised them to file a case against the company with the local labour office. However, this action appears to have backfired as the employer countered by filing a case against them, claiming the alleged debt.

Kariuki contends that the company presented documents in court bearing their names and signatures, which he asserts were forged, as the documents were in Arabic and they had never signed anything without translation. Currently relying on the goodwill of others for support, the two Kenyans face significant obstacles in their attempts to return home. They report being consistently informed of a travel ban when visiting deportation offices and are instructed to settle matters with the company before departure can be considered.

This case is emblematic of the broader issues faced by Kenyan workers in Saudi Arabia, a recurring problem that has garnered increasing attention in recent years. The Kenyan government, particularly the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, has been under mounting pressure to address the challenges faced by its citizens working abroad. Human rights organizations have been vocal advocates for reform in the treatment of migrant workers in Saudi Arabia. The Kafala system, which ties workers to their employers and restricts their mobility and ability to change jobs or leave the country without permission, has been widely criticized for enabling abuse and exploitation.

Despite some reforms, many workers continue to face significant challenges in asserting their rights and securing fair treatment. The Kenyan embassy in Saudi Arabia has been actively involved in efforts to assist stranded workers, but the process is often hindered by complex legal and bureaucratic obstacles. The embassy continues to urge Kenyan workers to report any issues they encounter and seek assistance promptly.