Government clears 300 domestic workers to return from Saudi Arabia

A group of Ugandans at Entebbe International Airport leaving for Saudi Arabia.

The Ugandan government has cleared a flight to return 300 domestic workers on 28 July 2020 who are stuck in Saudi Arabia.

"These are Ugandan nationals who entered the country illegally, were in deportation centres and do not have funds to survive. While others tested positive of COVID-19 and want to return but have no means." Dr Diana Atwine said.

The Ugandans have reportedly been bundled up together in the same place under the custody of Saudi Arabia and maybe put on a plane anytime soon.

The Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary, Dr Diana Atwine, last week promised to work on the issue of the deported Ugandans so as to hastily help them return home. Most have cited mistreatment in Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi government has asked Uganda to clear a flight for its nationals or it would put them on a plane with or without the clearance from Uganda. 

Ambassador Patrick Mugoya, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs, says that the Saudi government has organized the flight.

However, the Ministry will stick to its schedule for repatriation flights, whereby returnees must foot costs of airfares and also quarantine for those who opt for private facilities.

According to Atwine, several Ugandans returning home don’t have money and expect the government to meet their quarantine expenses, including feeding and accommodation.

The country currently has 972 returnees in institutional quarantine, out of the 2,154 who have arrived since June 22nd, 2020.

The Ministry of Health has now arranged beds for the 300 Ugandans at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole to undergo institutional quarantine.

Dr Richard Mugahi, the National Coordinator for Quarantine at the Health Ministry, says makeshift wards have been arranged in the three halls at Mandela National stadium to accommodate at least 1,000 people.

Currently, 17 returnees are undergoing quarantine at Mandela National stadium.

Saudi Arabia has mandated a six-year duration limit on the residency of foreigners in the country, as part of its programme to control the local job market.