Hundreds of Kenyans seeking job opportunities in Saudi Arabia have been warned to stay alert as the kingdom intensifies a crackdown on illegal activities.
Saudi authorities have recently arrested over 50 people, including 11 women, in what they describe as an effort to combat “immoral acts.”
The government is targeting various activities, including street begging and sex work, as part of its latest enforcement measures.
To strengthen its efforts, the Saudi Ministry of Interior has set up a special unit tasked with tackling “community security and human trafficking.”
This new initiative has already resulted in the arrest of numerous foreign workers, some of whom were reportedly engaging in activities deemed illegal in the Gulf nation.
Kenyans at Risk as Crackdown Expands
Saudi Arabia remains a top destination for Kenyan migrant workers, with thousands traveling there each year for employment, mainly in domestic and semi-skilled jobs.
However, many are often deceived by untrustworthy recruitment agencies that promise well-paying jobs only for them to arrive and discover that no such opportunities exist.
With no source of income and no way to return home, some end up begging on the streets for survival—an act that Saudi authorities are now aggressively cracking down on.
The latest crackdown has already seen several foreigners arrested for begging, while others have been detained for engaging in sex work.
In February, Saudi police arrested four expatriates at a massage parlor in Riyadh, accusing them of involvement in ‘immoral acts.’
Another police operation in the capital led to the arrest of three foreign women suspected of engaging in sex work.
These incidents highlight the growing risk for migrant workers, particularly those who may find themselves in desperate situations.
Saudi Arabia’s Motives Behind the Crackdown
It is unclear why Saudi Arabia has intensified its crackdown in recent months, but experts believe several factors could be at play.
One possible reason is the country’s efforts to uphold a clean image ahead of the 2034 FIFA World Cup, which Saudi Arabia will be hosting.
Additionally, Khalid Al-Sulaiman, a columnist for the semi-official Okaz newspaper, suggests that the crackdown could be linked to an increase in social media advertisements promoting businesses deemed immoral in the region.
By enforcing strict laws against such activities, the kingdom aims to maintain its conservative reputation and attract foreign investment before the global event.
Large Numbers of Kenyans in Saudi Arabia
According to a report by the National Employment Authority (NEA), the Kenyan government has helped facilitate the migration of over 200,000 workers abroad since 2024, with Saudi Arabia being the top recipient.
The report states that at least 194,320 Kenyan workers have secured jobs in the kingdom during this period.
With such a high number of Kenyan workers in Saudi Arabia, there are growing concerns that many could be affected by the ongoing crackdown.
Experts urge migrant workers to stay informed about local laws and ensure they follow legal employment procedures to avoid falling victim to these enforcement measures.
As the Saudi government tightens its grip on activities it considers illegal, Kenyan workers in the Gulf region must exercise caution and remain vigilant to avoid trouble with authorities.
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