MOGADISHU, Somalia — The Somali government is addressing public concerns about the treatment of Somali workers, both men and women, sent to Saudi Arabia for employment, following a surge in discussions on social media and local media.
Critics have accused Somalia of neglecting worker welfare, with some alleging that workers have encountered difficulties in Saudi Arabia due to insufficient support or oversight.
Yusuf Mohamed Aden, Somalia’s Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, addressed these concerns, emphasizing that Somalia has a formal labor agreement with Saudi Arabia.
Aden has assured that workers dispatched through official channels receive full rights and protections, urging the public to trust the government’s oversight.
Each year, Somalia sends thousands of skilled workers to Saudi Arabia under these agreements. However, recent reports have highlighted concerns about the living and working conditions of these workers, with some claims of mistreatment.
Despite these allegations, no verified evidence has been presented to substantiate widespread abuse among Somali workers sent under official agreements to Saudi Arabia.
