The minister revealed that this decision was made following a meeting between a Ugandan delegation, led by her, and Saudi Arabia's Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, Eng. Ahmed Alrajhi, held from October 14-17 in Riyadh.
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"Many Ugandans have been languishing in deportation centres across Saudi Arabia. Central to our discussions was Uganda's request for clemency for its citizens, including women with children born in the Kingdom, and those currently detained for various offences under Saudi Arabian law. This, of course, excludes those serving sentences for capital offences such as drug trafficking and murder," she said.
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According to the minister, Saudi Arabia remains the largest destination for Ugandan migrant workers, with over 150,000 Ugandans employed there. A bilateral labour agreement signed between Uganda and Saudi Arabia in 2023 ensures that the host country is responsible for protecting the rights of Ugandan workers. Migrant workers in the Middle East alone contribute approximately US$900 million (about Shs3.2 trillion) annually to Uganda's economy.
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Minister Anyakun added that the Saudi government has also pledged to expedite the repatriation of these workers and assist in their reintegration.
This unprecedented move is expected to bring much-needed relief to many Ugandan families who have been living in uncertainty regarding the fate of their loved ones who travelled to Saudi Arabia in search of better livelihoods to support their families back home.