AUMA: Let’s protect Kenyan migrant workers from exploitation

The increasing recruitment drives for Kenyan workers in Gulf Cooperation Council states have exposed a worrying trend of deception, exploitation and human rights violations.

While the promise of better pay abroad is enticing for many job seekers, a growing number are falling prey to fraudulent recruitment agencies and unscrupulous brokers.

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At the heart of the problem are illegal recruitment fees and misleading job advertisements.

Despite clear prohibitions under Qatari and Kenyan labour laws, some agencies continue to charge workers hefty sums sometimes as high as Sh200,000 for job placements that turn out to be fake or drastically different from what was promised.

Workers often arrive in foreign countries only to find lower pay, longer hours or entirely different job roles.

Equally concerning is the lack of accountability. The recruitment process often involves multiple intermediaries, making it nearly impossible for exploited workers to seek justice when contracts are violated.

Many end up stranded abroad, stripped of their passports and unable to afford legal representation or a return ticket home.

To curb this exploitation, Kenyans seeking overseas employment must exercise vigilance.

Before making any payment, verify that the recruitment agency is accredited by the Ministry of Labour.

Read and understand every clause in the employment contract—especially those concerning salary, job description, duration and termination.

If something seems unclear or too good to be true, seek guidance from the Labour Ministry or trusted human rights organisations such as MUHURI.

There are legitimate opportunities abroad in countries like Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom and Qatar but only through transparent, regulated channels.

These destinations are in need of healthcare professionals, engineers, teachers, and hospitality workers. However, the key lies in ethical recruitment and informed decision-making.

At MUHURI, we continue to advocate for stronger bilateral agreements, tighter regulation of recruitment agencies, and more robust protection for Kenyan workers abroad. Every Kenyan deserves the right to work in dignity—free from deception, exploitation and abuse.

The writer is Rapid Response Officer, Muslims for Human Rights (MUHURI)