The Minister of Gender and Labour, Hon Betty Amongi has clarified that most of Ugandan migrant workers who have encountered problems in UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and other Middle East countries are victims of human trafficking or travelled on their own.
She said no single worker recruited by labour externalization company in Uganda and sent abroad has so far got a case.
The Minister was addressing media to shed light on many media reports about stranded Ugandan workers on streets of Dubai and countries.
“Today, I am holding this press briefing to update you on the status of the externalization of labour programme. However, on this occasion I am addressing you against the backdrop of a media (both mainstream and social) that has been awash with stories of distressed Ugandan migrant workers including those stranded on the streets of Dubai and other cities in the United Arab Emirates,” Amongi said.
She added that some are genuine cases which the Ministry has taken up and others have turned out to be pranks.
“The majority of the genuine cases have been victims of trafficking or individuals who travelled on their own and have overstayed their tourist or visit visas,” she clarified.
She added that for instance, an August 2022 report from Ugandan Mission in Abu Dhabi shows that many Ugandans illegally staying in the UAE have been living on the streets.
The report notes that in early August 2022, the Authorities of the UAE offered free tickets to all illegal migrants.
As a result, many illegal migrant workers have reported to Al Awir Immigration Centre for assessment and eventual repatriation to Uganda.
“The Report indicates that none of the 452 Ugandan who had reported to the Al Awir Immigration Centre had traveled through a recruitment company,” Amongi emphasized.
Whereas migrant workers who travel through licensed companies also suffer distress, they a better placed to seek redress since the Government and the recruitment agencies are accountable for them.
“I therefore would like to urge all Ugandans who wish to travel abroad for work to do so through formal channels. We are closely working with Ministries of Internal Affairs and Foreign Affairs to combat trafficking of Ugandans to U.A.E and other Middle East countries.”