Saudi Arabia to Pardon Ugandan Nationals Detained in Prisons

Saudi Arabia has agreed to pardon a number of Ugandans held in deportation facilities and prisons, following negotiations with Uganda’s government. This comes as part of efforts to protect Ugandan migrant workers, an estimated 150,000 of whom are in Saudi Arabia, many facing human rights abuses. The decision was announced by Ugandan officials during a meeting in Riyadh and aims to address the uncertain status of these workers.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is set to pardon a number of Ugandan nationals currently held in its deportation centers and prisons, following negotiations with the Ugandan government. Estimates indicate that approximately 150,000 Ugandans reside in Saudi Arabia, predominantly as laborers, with many employed as domestic workers. However, it has been reported that a significant portion of these individuals may have been trafficked into the country illegally, complicating the task of ascertaining their exact numbers. The announcement regarding the pardoning of Ugandans follows a meeting between a Ugandan delegation, led by State Minister for Labour, Employment and Industrial Relations, Ms. Esther Anyakun, and the Saudi Minister for Human Resources and Social Development, Mr. Ahmed Alrajhu, in Riyadh last week. Ms. Anyakun expressed optimism about the situation, stating, “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.” The specifics regarding the number of individuals to be pardoned will be determined after a verification process, expected to conclude within the next 60 days. This decision, described as unprecedented, is anticipated to alleviate the plight of numerous Ugandan families who have been uncertain about the status of relatives who sought work in Saudi Arabia to support their dependents back in Uganda. Moreover, allegations have emerged regarding various crimes committed by some Ugandan detainees, including illicit drug dealing, prostitution, robbery, and murder. In light of these concerns, Ugandan authorities have recently formed a committee, involving security agencies and relevant ministries, to combat human trafficking and safeguard the rights of Ugandans seeking employment abroad. Additionally, Ugandan courts have mandated labor export companies to uphold the welfare of those they place in international jobs.

The topic of Ugandan migrant workers in Saudi Arabia is significant, as a considerable number of these individuals travel to seek employment primarily in the domestic service sector. Unfortunately, reports suggest that while some enter the country legally, many others fall prey to human trafficking networks, leading to severe human rights violations. Labor conditions for Ugandan migrants, particularly domestic workers, have often been criticized, with numerous cases of abuse, exploitation, and even lethal incidents coming to light. The complexity of labor migration between Uganda and Saudi Arabia is further exacerbated by a lack of regulatory enforcement and oversight, which has led to increased initiatives by both governments to find solutions to these challenges.

In summary, Saudi Arabia’s decision to pardon Ugandan prisoners marks a significant step towards addressing the precarious situations of many Ugandan nationals. While the exact number of pardoned individuals remains to be confirmed, this development comes as a relief to the families of those who have been living in uncertainty. The Ugandan government is also taking proactive measures to prevent human trafficking and ensure the rights of its citizens employed abroad. This situation underscores the critical need for continued dialogue and collaboration between Uganda and Saudi Arabia to enhance the welfare and safety of migrant workers.

Original Source: www.monitor.co.ug