A new report by Amnesty International has revealed the shocking mistreatment of Kenyan domestic workers in Saudi Arabia, who are facing severe exploitation, racism, and abuse despite promises of reform by Saudi authorities.
Titled “Locked in, left out: the hidden lives of Kenyan domestic workers in Saudi Arabia”, the 96-page report documents the stories of over 70 Kenyan women who had previously worked in Saudi homes. Many of them were lured with false promises by Kenyan recruiters, only to end up trapped in appalling conditions once they arrived.
The women reported working for more than 16 hours daily without rest, were denied any days off, and often were not allowed to leave the house. Some said they were made to survive on little or leftover food, with others sleeping in store cupboards or on the floor without proper bedding.
“I have no freedoms… once you are inside you never go out,” said Joy, a domestic worker interviewed anonymously. Another worker, Niah, recalled being mocked because of her skin colour, with people calling her “Black animal” and comparing her to a monkey.
Their testimonies exposed multiple forms of abuse—physical, verbal, and even sexual. Many had their passports and phones confiscated. Some never received their promised salaries or faced long delays. The women reported being paid the equivalent of only 37p an hour, and almost none received overtime or rest days, even when working for up to two years.
Irungu Houghton, Executive Director of Amnesty International Kenya, said the Saudi government must urgently extend labour law protections to domestic workers and dismantle the kafala sponsorship system, which gives employers excessive control over migrant workers. He also called on the Kenyan government to better regulate recruitment practices and provide urgent support services for its citizens working abroad.
“The women’s suffering is part of a system underpinned by historical and racial discrimination,” Houghton stated. “Kenya must ensure embassies are equipped with safe houses, legal aid, and support systems for women facing abuse abroad.”
What is the kafala system and why is it harmful?
The kafala system is a sponsorship-based labour arrangement that ties migrant workers’ legal status to their employer. In Saudi Arabia, it often allows employers to confiscate passports, withhold wages, and control workers’ movements. Although Saudi Arabia introduced minor reforms under its Vision 2030 plan, domestic workers are still excluded from full protection under the law, making them vulnerable to exploitation.
Despite recent regulations aiming to improve conditions for domestic workers, Amnesty’s report shows that enforcement remains weak. Abuse continues unchecked, and violations of Saudi law often go unpunished, the report claims.
With over 150,000 Kenyan domestic workers currently in Saudi Arabia and labour migration being encouraged by the Kenyan government due to high unemployment, Amnesty’s findings are a powerful call for both countries to act. The organization is urging reforms that protect these workers’ rights and address the deep-rooted racism and inequality that make them especially vulnerable to mistreatment.
The report emphasizes that behind the walls of private homes, racism, isolation, and exploitation remain part of daily life for many Black African women. Amnesty International demands urgent action to give these women equal rights, dignity, and safety.