Modern Slavery Unveiled: Kenyan Women's Ordeal in Saudi Arabia

Modern Slavery in Saudi Arabia: Kenyan Domestic Workers Face Abuse and Exploitation Saudi Arabia, May 14, 2025 – A new report by Amnesty International has exposed the horrific conditions faced by Kenyan women working as domestic helpers in Saudi Arabia. The report, based on interviews with over 70 women, details widespread abuse, including forced labor, extremely low wages, racism, and sexual violence. Many women reported working excessive hours without days off, and some were even denied food or given only scraps. One woman, Rashidah, stated, "I felt like I was a donkey, but even donkeys get to rest." Another, Judy, a single mother of two who fled an abusive husband, shared her experience of being repeatedly raped by her employer. "I tried to tell him to stop, but men are very strong," she recounted, "He ended up raping me five times." Amnesty International's findings highlight the systemic vulnerabilities faced by migrant domestic workers in Saudi Arabia. The Kafala sponsorship system, which ties workers' residency permits to their employers, leaves many vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. The report calls for urgent reforms to protect migrant workers and hold perpetrators accountable. The testimonies of Rashidah and Judy serve as stark reminders of the human cost of this modern-day slavery.