Uganda Renews Bilateral Agreement With Saudi Arabia To Resume Labour Externalization

Posted by: Eninu William in Uganda news March 29, 2023

The Ugandan government has today signed a bilateral agreement with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia which is aimed at resuming labour exportation. This agreement was signed by the Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Hon Betty Amongi.

The development came after both countries reached an agreement on a number of issues.

“The Minister @Mglsd_UG @BettyAmongi has this evening signed off the new Bilateral Labour Agreement with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia following the concurrence on key issues between the two countries.”

The Minister @Mglsd_UG @BettyAmongi has this evening signed off the new Bilateral Labour Agreement with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia following the concurrence on key issues between the two countries. pic.twitter.com/AqIbOiXe4k

— Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development (@Mglsd_UG) March 29, 2023

Some of the key factors discussed in the lead up to this new agreement include improvement in the welfare and rights of workers. Regulation and control of costs. No deductions on salaries among other topics.

Hon Amongi is expected to make a detailed announcement about this topic soon.

Furthermore, the Minister will tomorrow Thursday address the press at the Media Center to provide details of the Agreement.

The key takeaways include the following;

Key improvements in the welfare and rights of domestic workers.
Regulate and control costs.
No deductions on salaries except those stipulated by law or as authorized by the employee.
Legal redress during violation of laws and regulations.
Employees facilitated to open bank accounts and all their money be paid there unless otherwise stated by the employee.
Transfer of employees and renewal of contracts to be regulated.
Joint Technical. Committee to be established within two months.”

It should be recalled that the Ugandan government suspended the bilateral labour export agreement with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in December 2022. The move was caused by the alleged continued mistreatment and torture of Ugandan migrant workers.

The two countries had signed a 5-year agreement in 2017 to promote the welfare of domestic workers. However, the government refused to renew that contract after it expired asking Saudi Arabia to address the issues of torture.

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