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LABOUR MIGRATION

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Kenya to the Middle East

Kenya is a majour source of Labour for countries in the Middle East. More Kenyans are driven to migrate for work in the domestic, hospitality and construction sectors by high unemployment rates, low wages and demand for labour. But oppressive labour regulations and poor enforcement means that cases of abuse and exploitation are rife. Our blog publishes commentary, opinions and analysis on labour migration governance in Kenya and the countries of destination such as Lebanon, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern countries.

My employer abandoned me outside the consulate when I needed medical care

15/11/2020 | Sophia Njiru

Alice* is a single mother of two. She migrated to Lebanon as a domestic worker in 2019 after a relative approached and introduced her to a recruitment agency which promised a job in Lebanon. It was the first time going out of the country but even with the lack of experience, she was excited to take the risk as she was the breadwinner in her family and lacked employment.
Are Migrant Domestic Workers protected by International Labour Standards?

30/11/2020 | Sophia Njiru

International Labour Standards (ILS) are legal instruments which serve the purpose of improving the living and working conditions of workers, consolidating social peace and equalizing conditions for international competition.
#16DaysofActivism against Gender based violence: abuse and exploitation of migrant domestic workers in Lebanon

02/12/2020 | Send Us Home Kenya

16 days of activism against Gender based violence is an annual international campaign that begins on the 25th November and ends on 10th December and is used by activists to call for the end of violence against women globally.
How gender continues to negatively shape the experiences of Kenyan Migrant Domestic Workers abroad

22/03/2021 | Send Us Home Kenya

Domestic work is constituted as being unique, low skilled, low status and situated in the private borders of the home beyond the reach of legal reforms because it is gendered work.
Gender and the reintegration challenges that face women migrant worker returnees

31/03/2021 | Sophia Njiru

Kenya lacks return and reintegration programmes for returnees and therefore many workers return with less preparedness. For those who are forced to return without enough savings, the lack of reintegration support from the government means they return to face the same economic precarity before their migration.
This Labour Day there is still a long way to go to protect Kenyan Migrant Workers abroad

01/05/2022 | Send Us Home Kenya

01 May is International Workers Day also known as Labour Day for celebrating workers and workers’ rights particularly those in wage labour across the globe in various countries including Kenya. For Kenyan Migrant Workers and in particular Migrant domestic workers (MDWs), the struggle for basic labour rights and social protections in Middle Eastern countries continues.
Stories of return: Two years on, Nanjala is still facing economic precarity

07/08/2022 | Sophia Njiru

Nanjala, a single mother of two, Left Kenya for Dubai in 2018 after struggling financially to provide for herself and the youngest child. Through a community member, she was referred to an employment agency which secured a job for her in Dubai as a domestic worker.
International Women’s Day 2023: Our Reflections

31/03/2023 | Send Us Home Kenya

In our latest blog, we reflect on the efforts by migrant domestic workers to demand better for themselves. We extend our solidarity and recognise that domestic workers do not need us to be their voices but rather need more of our support and resources to advocate and organise themselves with impact.
I was not paid for the first three months when I arrived in Lebanon

28/10/2020 | Send Us Home Kenya

Withholding of wages and passport confiscation are common problems that Migrant domestic workers encounter in Middle East. Jane shares her story.
I would not advise any Kenyan to go to Gulf countries for domestic work

15/10/2020 | Send Us Home Kenya

Mercy* (not her real name) was part of the group of migrant workers protesting outside the consulate in Beirut asking the Kenyan government to repatriate them. She says they camped and waited outside the consulate for weeks until wellwishers came to their aid.
Stories of return: Mary rebuilds her life through enterpreneurship

23/07/2024 | Send Us Home Kenya

Life after returning home from Gulf countries is not easy for many migrant domestic workers. Often they face a lot of stigma and financial precarity.