Policy Recommendations for Enhancing the Protection of Kenyan Migrant Workers in the Gulf States

Authored By:

Balkis Azzam Borda

,

October 7, 2024

Globalisation has significantly reshaped the labour market, characterised by increased human mobility, rapid technological advancement, and open borders. Despite being the largest economy in East Africa, Kenya struggles with a 34.7% youth unemployment rate, driving many to seek work abroad, especially in Gulf States like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE (Tum 2019,10). While these opportunities bring economic benefits, including significant remittances for Kenyans, they also expose workers to risks such as exploitation and inadequate legal protections, creating a discussion around human rights issues in these occupations. This policy paper stresses the need for Kenya to strengthen legal frameworks, enhance trade agreements, and protect migrant workers through measures including international labour standards, stricter recruitment regulations, and the abolition of exploitative practices like the Kafala system, a legal framework that is implemented in various Middle Eastern and Gulf countries, which gives the host substantial power over the migrant workers’ rights.

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