Kenyan Diaspora in Gulf States Faces Employment Challenges Amid New Labor Policies

The Kenyan diaspora in the Gulf states is experiencing heightened concern following the implementation of new labor policies that could affect employment opportunities for foreign workers. The governments of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar have announced changes to their nationalization programs, which prioritize the employment of their citizens over expatriates.

Recently, Saudi Arabia expanded its 'Saudization' policy, formally known as the Nitaqat program, which aims to increase the participation of Saudi nationals in the private sector workforce. According to Fahd Al-Rajhi, Deputy Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, "The adjustments to the Nitaqat program ensure that Saudi citizens will be provided with more job opportunities in key sectors, reducing reliance on expatriate labor." The changes are expected to impact industries where Kenyan workers are employed, such as construction, healthcare, and hospitality.

In the UAE, the Emiratisation initiative has been intensified, with new regulations requiring private companies with more than 50 employees to fill at least 2% of their positions with Emirati nationals each year. UAE Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar stated, "Our goal is to ensure sustainable employment for UAE citizens, and we are committed to supporting companies that align with this vision."

These shifts have raised concerns among Kenyans in the Gulf. Grace Muriuki, Chairperson of the Kenya Diaspora Alliance in the UAE, highlighted the growing anxiety, saying, "Many Kenyans are worried about the potential job losses and the difficulty in securing new employment under these new regulations." The Kenyan embassy in Saudi Arabia, led by Ambassador Peter Ogego, is advising Kenyans to seek guidance on their employment contracts and to stay informed through official channels.

For Kenyans currently seeking employment in these regions, the situation presents a challenge. With over 100,000 Kenyans residing in the Gulf states, according to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, the diaspora community forms a significant part of the expatriate workforce. The recent policy changes could disrupt the stable remittances that many families in Kenya depend on, which amounted to approximately KSh 350 billion ($3.2 billion) in 2025, according to the Central Bank of Kenya.

Kenyan authorities are actively engaging with Gulf counterparts to ensure fair treatment of Kenyan workers. Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, has emphasized the importance of bilateral negotiations, stating, "We are committed to protecting the rights of our citizens abroad and will continue to work closely with Gulf governments to address any issues that arise from these policy changes."

For Kenyans affected by the changes, the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection offers a helpline and resources for those seeking assistance. Kenyans in the Gulf are encouraged to visit the Ministry's official website or contact the diaspora affairs hotline at +254 20 222 1136 for support and guidance.