The Effects of Bilateral Labor Agreements on Migration Trends in Kenya: A Case of Kenyan Domestic Workers in The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Abstract

This study examines the effects of bilateral labor agreements on migration trends of Kenyan domestic workers to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Middle East has emerged as a vibrant migrant corridor, with a rising number of Kenyans seeking employment in GCC countries. It is therefore important to unravel the contribution of BLAs in contributing to these emergent migration trends. As a result, this study adopts as its study objectives as; assessing the migration trends of Kenyan domestic workers in the KSA, analyzing the bilateral labor agreements on Kenyan domestic workers in the KSA, and evaluating the efficacy of bilateral labor agreements on Kenyan domestic workers in the KSA. This study’s significance arises from its endeavor to provide more insights to the migratory trends between Kenya and KSA and the dynamics that revolve around this migration. The research adopted as its scope the Kenya-KSA migration of domestic workers. This was because of the emerging migration movements that have thrust this migration corridor at the top of the destinations of Kenyans emigrating. The resultant diplomatic engagements between Kenya and these GCC countries also illustrate this new trend. The study relied on the Historical Structuralism and Neo-Classical theories to analyze the subject matter. The literature reviewed explored the existing literature and the gaps therein to bring the topic of the study into context. The study adopted a mixed methodological approach, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The study found out that the BLAs have positively contributed to greater emigration to KSA with migrant work being the major area of deliberations between the two countries. The study however established gaps in implementation of the BLAs IN Kenya and KSA that have resulted into compliance gaps, failure to prioritize the welfare of domestic workers. This study recommends for more focus to be done to ensure the safety of migrant workers departing for KSA.