The Government of Uganda, through the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, has strengthened its partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to provide comprehensive support for Ugandan migrant workers returning from the Middle East.
This collaboration aims to ensure effective rehabilitation and reintegration of those repatriated, particularly from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, where recent amnesty programs have led to the return of many Ugandans.
In an update on Monday, November 11, 2024, the Minister of State for Employment & Industrial Relations, Hon. Esther Anyakun, highlighted the progress made in assisting the returnees.
“I am happy to inform you that 146 Ugandans have so far been repatriated back home, the latest being 54 Ugandan girls who arrived this weekend aboard Air Arabia,” she announced.
The Ministry’s initiative follows a series of diplomatic engagements, including a recent visit to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where Hon. Anyakun secured a pardon for stranded Ugandan migrant workers in deportation centers and prisons.
“During that visit, in a meeting I held with the Minister of Human Resources & Social Development of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, H.E. Eng. Ahmed Alrajhi, Saudi Arabia agreed to pardon Ugandan migrant workers who had been stranded,” she explained.
With the support of IOM, the Ugandan government is implementing measures to provide counseling, skills training, and psychosocial support to returnees.
“The Ministry is partnering with the International Organization for Migration to offer counselling, rehabilitation, and reintegration of returnees. This partnership underscores our commitment to the welfare of our citizens abroad.” Hon. Anyakun elaborated.
The Minister also urged Ugandans facing legal issues in the United Arab Emirates to take advantage of the ongoing amnesty, which is set to expire soon.
“I would like to call upon Ugandans who find themselves in these circumstances to take advantage of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia pardon which has a window of 90 days, and the Amnesty by the United Arab Emirates to Ugandans currently residing in the UAE without proper documentation,” Hon. Anyakun advised.
These efforts come in response to the increasing number of Ugandans seeking employment abroad, often under precarious conditions. Recent reports have highlighted the challenges faced by migrant workers, including exploitation and abuse, which have prompted the Ugandan government to prioritize their safe return and reintegration. Furthermore, the government is exploring long-term strategies to create more employment opportunities at home, reducing the need for citizens to seek work overseas under risky circumstances.
