Saudi Arabia’s strict measures on Kenya seeking employment.
In the past, there has been reported cases of employees from Kenya being mistreated in the gulf.
The most recent case was that of a student who was undergoing mistreatment from the employers while working in the gulf.
Upon arrival, Diana recounted how she thought life in the gulf could be a breakthrough for her family back in the Kenya.
Diana further pleaded with the government to rescue other girls who are suffering in the gulf.
She said,” I plead with the government to rescue our people. They are psychologically and mentally tortured. It’s a shame being told that there is nothing the government can do.”
Also read Saudi Arabia’s statement on Diana Chepkemoi’s rescue
Saudi Arabia’s strict measures are; Introduction of a wage protection program and a distress alert line to law enforcement officers who will act in case of infringement of right.
Saudi Arabia has formed a protection and support department which is under the Ministry of Human Resources and social development. This department will handle complaints from migrant workers, recruitment agencies and embassies.
Further, Saudi Arabia has introduced a labour reform initiative that allows employees to change employers incase they are mistreated in any way. The labour reforms also defined details on procedures of how immigrant workers may exit or extend a contract.
Lastly is the activation of an alternative dispute resolution mechanism that will allow cases referred to court to be resolved within 3 weeks.
In Kenya, The Kenyan government has established an oversight and community feedback mechanism.
The mechanism will facilitate continuous monitoring of private employment agencies. This will also help in ensuring ethical recruitment and scrap off fraud agencies.
The government has further urged Kenyans to only use accredited agencies when seeking to go to the gulf.
A toll free line 0800222223 has been set up and a web portal to report migrant workers incase of infringement.