The Gambian government has sent dozens of women to work as domestic workers in Saudi Arabia, marking a significant step in strengthening ties between the two nations. This development follows an agreement reached during the 2023 Africa-Arab Summit in Saudi Arabia to recruit both domestic and skilled workers from Gambia to Saudi Arabia.

The move is seen as a strategic effort to build stronger economic ties with the Middle East's largest economy. Saudi Arabia has traditionally relied on Asian countries such as the Philippines for domestic labor, but has increasingly shifted its focus to African nations, including Kenya, Tanzania, and Ethiopia, in recent years.

According to Bloomberg, the demand for domestic workers in Saudi Arabia remains high, with domestic workers making up more than a quarter of the country's total labor force. The agreements between the Gambian and Saudi governments outline provisions for fair wages and proper working conditions for migrant workers.

However, critics argue that the $200 monthly starting salary for domestic workers in Saudi Arabia is too low and leaves workers vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. Local recruitment agencies Gambjobs Limited and Outsource have registered 8,139 and 1,335 potential participants, respectively, but only 22 individuals have received their visas so far, with an additional 95 applications currently being processed.

Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries have faced criticism for their treatment of migrant workers, largely due to the kafala system, which grants employers significant control over foreign workers' legal status. International human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have condemned the system, describing it as "exploitative."

Uganda and the Philippines have previously suspended the deployment of domestic workers to Saudi Arabia due to reports of mistreatment, only to later lift the bans after negotiations. Despite government-led labor agreements, many Gambians are actively seeking opportunities abroad, driven by the country's economic challenges and the growing reliance on remittances.

In 2024, remittances from Gambians working overseas surpassed tourism revenue, making them the country's largest source of foreign exchange, contributing 32% of the nation's GDP. The trend reflects the country's economic challenges and the growing reliance on remittances.

The development raises important questions about the treatment and protection of migrant workers, as well as the economic implications of labor agreements between African nations and Gulf countries. As the demand for domestic workers in Saudi Arabia continues to rise, it remains to be seen how the Gambian government will ensure fair wages and proper working conditions for its citizens working abroad.

In the broader context, the story highlights the complex dynamics of labor migration in Africa and the Middle East, where economic imperatives often clash with concerns over human rights and worker protection. As the global economy continues to evolve, it is essential to prioritize the rights and dignity of migrant workers, while also promoting mutually beneficial economic partnerships between nations.