Gov’t Strengthens Support for Kenyans Living in Saudi Arabia with New Measures

Kenya has launched a 24-hour toll-free emergency hotline to assist its citizens in Saudi Arabia, with the service operated by the Kenya Consulate in Jeddah.

The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs said the hotline, reachable on 8001000352, will operate seven days a week to provide immediate support to Kenyans facing emergencies. Assistance will cover labour disputes, arrests, medical issues, abuse, and the loss of travel documents.

Saudi Arabia hosts tens of thousands of Kenyan workers, many employed in domestic work, construction, hospitality, and security. While overseas employment has provided income for many households in Kenya, workers have also faced challenges including contract breaches, delayed or unpaid wages, and restrictions on movement.

The government said the hotline is intended to improve consular response, particularly for workers in vulnerable situations. It will also be available to undocumented or stranded Kenyans, as well as those seeking repatriation for medical, legal, or humanitarian reasons.

Officials said the initiative forms part of Kenya’s efforts to implement bilateral labour agreements with Saudi Arabia. These agreements commit both countries to humane working conditions, fair recruitment practices, and access to legal protection for migrant workers.

Concerns about the welfare of Kenyan workers in Saudi Arabia have been raised repeatedly in recent years. In 2024, Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa cited the case of a woman from Vihiga County who had been stranded in Riyadh for several years with her young daughter, highlighting gaps in consular support.

The hotline builds on earlier government measures, including the Mwanamberi Project launched in 2023 to support Kenyan mothers and children in Saudi Arabia. That initiative focused on protecting families affected by local laws that criminalise childbirth outside marriage.
Authorities are encouraging Kenyans in Saudi Arabia to share the hotline number widely to ensure it reaches those in need.