Victims have emphasized the urgent need for stronger support from Kenyan embassies and action against abusive recruitment agencies, warning that many others are suffering in similar situations.

The average monthly wage for these workers is approximately SAR 900 (USD 240), which translates to about USD 0.50 per hour when considering their extensive working hours.

Reports of sexual assault and violence are prevalent among these workers, with many too afraid to report incidents due to fear of retaliation.

A recent report by Amnesty International highlights the severe exploitation and abuse faced by Kenyan domestic workers in Saudi Arabia, often amounting to forced labor and human trafficking.

Approximately 4 million domestic workers in Saudi Arabia are foreign nationals, including around 150,000 from Kenya, as the country remains a significant source of remittances for many Kenyans.

Despite being a signatory to the 1926 Slavery Convention, Saudi Arabia's enforcement of labor laws protecting domestic workers is exceedingly rare, particularly against those who report abuses.

Many women reported feeling imprisoned in their employers' homes, with one stating, 'I felt like I was in prison,' reflecting the lack of freedom and isolation they endure.

These workers frequently face physical, verbal, and sexual abuse, often being denied days off for up to two years.

Upon arrival in Saudi Arabia, domestic workers typically work 16 to 18 hours a day without days off, earning an average of around $0.50 per hour.

The Kafala system allows employers to confiscate workers' passports, effectively treating them as property and facilitating conditions akin to slavery.

In response to the exploitation, the Kenyan government has begun cracking down on rogue recruitment agencies and has facilitated the return of over 100 citizens stranded abroad due to scams.

The Amnesty report, launched on May 13, 2025, in Mombasa, Kenya, calls for stronger labor protections for domestic workers in both Kenya and Saudi Arabia.