Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli has called on the government to ban employment agencies overseeing migration of Kenyan workers to Saudi Arabia.
While speaking on Sunday, October 9, to a local media house, Francis Atwoli stated that Kenyan migrant workers in the gulf countries have been subjected to what he termed as ‘indirect slavery’.
“I am appealing to our government, let us ban all employment agencies. What these people are trying to do with our young daughters and sons is applying indirect slavery,” Atwoli said.
Furthermore, the COTU boss urged young people to be patient, adding that the unemployment problem in the country will be dealt with once President William Ruto’s government hits the road running.
“Let us remain here as poor as we are, we have a new government that is now struggling to refurbish our economy, the economy will grow after appointment of ministers having been vetted and we will be able to access jobs in this country,” he noted.
“You better earn Ksh. 10,000 and remain in this country, there are jobs outside there that are demeaning, not respectful and not decent as advocated for by the International Labour Organization.” The COTU boss said.
Nonetheless, there has been a rise in the cases of Kenyan migrant workers being mistreated in Saudi Arabia in the recent days, with lucky ones returning home successfully.
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