Saudi Arabia, Kenya sign deal to regulate recruitment of domestic workers

RIYADH — Deputy Minister of Human Resources and Social Development for Labor Abdullah Abuthnain received Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection Alfred Nganga Mutua at the ministry’s headquarters in Riyadh on Thursday. Several senior Saudi ministry officials and the accompanying Kenyan delegation also attended the meeting. The meeting discussed ways to strengthen cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Kenya in areas of mutual interest in the labor sector, particularly by developing cooperation mechanisms for the recruitment of domestic workers, improving the effectiveness of pre-departure training and qualification programs, and raising awareness of contractual rights and obligations. These efforts aimed to enhance the readiness of domestic workers, improve the quality of recruitment services, promote stability in contractual relations, and protect the rights of all parties. The two sides also discussed mechanisms for strengthening technical coordination, exchanging expertise and best practices in training and qualification, and improving procedures related to the recruitment of domestic workers. These measures aimed to enhance the efficiency of recruitment processes, improve their outcomes, and serve the mutual interests of both countries. Following the meeting, Abdullah Abuthnain and Alfred Nganga Mutua signed a technical annex to the agreement on the recruitment of domestic workers between Saudi Arabia and Kenya, signed on July 5, 2026. The annex is part of efforts to strengthen cooperation and develop the technical and regulatory mechanisms governing the recruitment of domestic workers. The technical annex aims to streamline procedures and reduce the costs of recruiting domestic workers from Kenya to Saudi Arabia. It also seeks to improve the efficiency of recruitment mechanisms, ensure compliance with approved regulations, protect the rights of employers and domestic workers, and regulate the contractual relationship between the two parties. The signing of the annex builds on the longstanding relations and ongoing cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Kenya, reflecting both sides’ commitment to developing their partnership in labor-related fields, improving the efficiency of the recruitment system, and promoting sustainable cooperation that serves the mutual interests of both countries.