The Minister of State for Labour, Hon. Esther Anyakun Davinia, has spoken out on the repatriation of Ugandan migrant workers recently pardoned by Saudi Arabia.
While addressing the press at Uganda Media Centre on Monday, Anyakun said in just two weeks, nearly 150 Ugandans have returned, with another 20 set to arrive today.
The Minister urged those affected to take advantage of the pardon by Saudi Arabia and/or the amnesty granted by the United Arab Emirates before they expire on December 31st.
“On the 21st of October 2024, I announced to the nation the outcome of a Ministerial and Technical visit to Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia which I led from 14th to 17th October 2024. During 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 in deportation centers and prisons,” she said.
“This is, therefore, to update you on the progress made so far regarding securing the release of our people in Saudi Arabia as well as the current amnesty granted to Ugandans in the United Arab Emirates due to expire soon.”
She added: “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.”
According to Anyakun, this is a key development and underscores the commitment to the welfare of citizens abroad.
“We continue to work with our partners to ensure the safe return of all Ugandans still stranded. 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 or facing legal issues.”
She said the Ministry is partnering with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to offer counseling, rehabilitation, and re-integration of the returnees.
