Members of the Departmental Committee on Labour in Kenya have called for stronger consular support for Kenyan migrant workers in Gulf countries. The committee, led by MP Ken Chonga, expressed concerns that Kenya's embassies and consulates in the region are not doing enough to protect workers from abuse and emergencies. They highlighted the need for improved safe houses, emergency response, and repatriation services. The committee's concerns were raised during a meeting with the State Department for Labour and Skills Development.
The committee pointed out that many Kenyan domestic workers in Gulf countries are forced to seek shelter in private homes when they flee abusive employers, as there are no safe houses provided by the government. MP Amina Dika, who has experience working in Dubai, noted that Kenyan consulates lack dedicated facilities for victims of abuse. This shortage leaves workers vulnerable and without proper support. The committee emphasized the need for the government to address these gaps in services.
The committee also raised concerns about cases where Kenyan nationals have been buried abroad without family consent. They attributed these tragedies to delayed reporting and limited mortuary holding periods. The committee was told that labour attachés in Riyadh face challenges, including a lack of vehicles and access to detention facilities, which hinders their ability to intervene when Kenyans are detained or in distress.
Principal Secretary Shadrack Mwadime appeared before the committee and acknowledged the challenges faced by Kenyan migrant workers. He mentioned that ratifying the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers would strengthen legal safeguards and improve consular response. Mwadime also explained that communication breakdowns between families, foreign mortuaries, and diplomatic missions can lead to premature burials.
Mwadime outlined a proposed Kenya Migrant Workers Welfare Fund, which is embedded in the new Labour Migration Bill. The fund would finance emergency interventions and repatriation of distressed workers. He also noted that exhumation requires court procedures handled by the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs. The committee welcomed the proposed fund as a step towards addressing the challenges faced by migrant workers.
The committee urged the National Assembly to approve the ratification of the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers. They argued that this would align Kenya's labour framework with international human-rights standards and provide protection even where bilateral agreements are absent. The committee emphasized that this would provide critical support to Kenyan migrant workers in Gulf countries.
The concerns raised by the committee highlight the need for the government to take action to protect Kenyan migrant workers. The proposed Labour Migration Bill and the ratification of the international convention are seen as key steps towards addressing these challenges. The government is expected to take concrete actions to improve consular support and protect the rights of migrant workers.
Key points
- Kenyan MPs urge government to improve safe houses, emergency response, and repatriation services for migrant workers in Gulf countries.
- Committee highlights need for ratification of International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers.
- Proposed Kenya Migrant Workers Welfare Fund to finance emergency interventions and repatriation of distressed workers.
