Forging New Pathways: Somalia and Saudi Arabia’s Labour Agreement

In a significant development for employment opportunities, Somalia and Saudi Arabia have embarked on an ambitious journey to enhance their bilateral labor agreement. This initiative, hailed by Somali officials, seeks to address the pressing issue of youth unemployment and broaden access to job markets beyond Somalia’s borders. It is a critical step in a landscape where job prospects can often feel scarce, especially for the ambitious youth of Somalia.

The dialogue between Somali Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, Yusuf Mohamed Aden, and the Saudi Deputy Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, Dr. Abdullah bin Nasser, took place recently in Riyadh during the 7th Global Occupational Safety and Health Conference. This meeting was more than a mere formality; it was a reaffirmation of both nations’ commitment to quickly implement the agreement that promises to change lives.

The ministers were clear in their intentions, stating they would “accelerate” the operational steps necessary to open formal migration pathways. These pathways will help Somalia realize its goal to launch vocational training programs and establish legal frameworks to properly prepare its labor force for foreign employment opportunities. Let’s pause for a moment: how can such initiatives uplift entire communities? Consider the young Somali who dreams of supporting their family through stable, legal work—this agreement could turn those dreams into reality.

Signed in December 2024, the agreement provides a structured approach for the recruitment of both domestic and professional Somali workers in Saudi Arabia. According to the Saudi Press Agency, this framework is comprehensive, incorporating regulations around contracts, and setting up monitoring and enforcement mechanisms aimed at protecting both workers and employers.

The Somali Ministry of Labour considers such international partnerships vital. They view these agreements not merely as employment pathways, but as crucial to combating high domestic unemployment rates. The ministry’s focus is not just on getting workers employed abroad; they aim to create a skilled labor force that can actively engage in global markets. A powerful approach, wouldn’t you agree?

To further ensure that Somali workers are adequately prepared, Somalia has pledged to roll out various training programs, including extensive safety briefings, legal awareness sessions, and health assessments. These initiatives are fundamental in safeguarding workers’ rights and facilitating their smooth integration into the host communities they will soon call home.

This agreement is not taking shape in isolation. There has been a deepening of political and economic ties between Mogadishu and Riyadh. During a state visit in April 2024 by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, both leaders explored avenues for collaboration across sectors, including labor, infrastructure, and trade. Remarkably, trade between the two countries surged by an astonishing 105% from 2021 to 2022. Isn’t it fascinating how economic connections can create ripples of opportunity?

However, it’s vital to address the challenges that come with such agreements. The backdrop of this labor deal is the urgent demand in Saudi Arabia for a robust workforce, particularly in light of Vision 2030 and preparations for the 2034 FIFA World Cup. The Kingdom’s plans include constructing eleven stadiums and nearly 200,000 hotel rooms, which means that opportunities for labor will continue to surge in sectors like construction and hospitality.

Yet, despite these promising prospects, the agreement has faced backlash from labor rights organizations and Somali trade unions. Concerns have been raised about the lack of adequate protections for workers. The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) and its Somali affiliate, FESTU, have voiced strong opposition to the pact, describing it as a “modern-day form of slavery.” They argue that it bypasses essential social dialogue and undermines workers’ rights, echoing sentiments advocated by the International Labour Organization in its 2022 recommendations. A quaint question emerges: how can progress be genuinely achieved without the voices of those it impacts the most?

Saudi Arabia has often been in the crosshairs of criticism regarding its treatment of migrant workers. The infamous kafala sponsorship system, which intertwines employees’ legal status with their employers, has come under scrutiny. Although recent reforms aim to address some of these abuses, advocacy groups like Human Rights Watch continue to report violations that range from wage theft to physical abuse.

Past stories of Somali domestic workers arriving in Saudi Arabia often paint a harrowing picture. Accounts of workers facing violence and exploitation have prompted some countries—like Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda—to ban their citizens from seeking employment in the Kingdom. It’s a sobering reminder of the stakes involved in international labor agreements.

Nevertheless, Somali authorities maintain that this new labor agreement stands apart from prior arrangements. The Ministry of Labour insists this initiative is part of a long-term strategy aimed at cultivating a workforce ready to engage meaningfully in the global labor market while prioritizing worker safety. But does that assurance hold water?

The Federation of Somali Trade Unions, FESTU, has emphatically called for the Somali government to suspend the agreement until enforceable protections for workers are established. They contend that without these safeguards, a new wave of Somali workers could find themselves in the same precarious situations that have plagued other migrant laborers.

As this complex narrative unfolds, the outcome of this agreement may not just shape the future of Somali workers in Saudi Arabia but could also set a precedent for how such international labor agreements are structured globally. The world will be watching closely, and we must ask ourselves: can we strike the balance between opportunity and protection?