Migrant Labour Issues in International Relations - Kenyan Workers in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Over the past years, Kenya has been faced with instability and slowed economic growth, resulting in unemployment and high levels of poverty. This has had many Kenyans relocate abroad with the hope to improve their fortunes. Between 100,000 – 300,000 Kenyan migrants, most of whom are unskilled laborers, are currently residing in the Gulf cooperation council. Saudi Arabia claims the largest portion of this. However while there, it has been reported that these migrants face extreme labour violations and exploitation, as well as human rights abuse in varied forms. Given the high demand for inexpensive foreign workers in the Saudi Kingdom, the number of Kenyans migrating there is on the rise, despite the incidents of abuse. Yet, the Kenyan government has not fully formed a comprehensive protection policy. Neither has it developed proper bilateral labor arrangements and institutional/diplomatic capacity to safeguard Kenyan laborers in Saudi Arabia. This study examines the Kenyan government's complex role and its challenges with protecting its nationals in Saudi Arabia. It analyzes the emerging contemporary migration flow between the two countries, the challenges therein, and the attempts by both governments in addressing these challenges, as they both are beneficiaries of the flow. The study argues that the power asymmetry between the Kenyan and Saudi governments directly affects their bilateral relations, and puts Kenya at a disadvantage when it comes to policymaking on the issue of migrant welfare.