Gulf Crackdown Puts Kenyan Workers at Risk as Saudi Arabia, UAE Intensify Deportations
Several Kenyans living in Gulf countries face deportation as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and other nations intensify crackdowns on foreigners found to have violated immigration and labour laws.
The enforcement operations have swept up thousands of foreign nationals across the region, with African workers—including Kenyans, Ethiopians, Ugandans, and Nigerians—among those affected . The crackdowns come as Gulf states tighten residency and labour regulations amid broader regional security concerns.
Saudi Arabia Leads Mass Enforcement Operations
Saudi Arabia has been the most aggressive in enforcing immigration rules. Between January and August 26, 2026, authorities deported at least 332,774 residency, labour, and border law violators across 30 reported enforcement periods .
In the latest crackdown, conducted between August 20 and 26, authorities deported 14,905 people and arrested another 14,434 for various violations . Africans featured prominently among those arrested for allegedly attempting to enter Saudi Arabia illegally, with Ethiopians accounting for 58 per cent of the 1,450 people arrested during the operation .
Earlier in August, local Saudi media reported that Ethiopians accounted for 67 per cent of 1,457 people arrested while allegedly attempting to enter the country illegally between August 6 and 12 .
Kenyan Workers Affected
Kenyans have already been impacted by the ongoing enforcement operations. Reports in August this year indicated that a Kenyan woman, Peninah Wanjiru, was reunited with her daughter after deportation from Saudi Arabia .
Ugandans have also appeared in recent Saudi enforcement operations, with reports indicating that at least 118 Ugandans were believed to be among 14,970 people arrested between July 16 and 22 . Nigerians have similarly been affected, with three Nigerian nationals deported to Abuja after allegedly arriving with Ghanaian passports .
With more than 300,000 Kenyans living in Saudi Arabia alone—making it the largest destination for Kenyans in the diaspora—the enforcement measures have significant implications .
Oman, Bahrain, and Jordan Step Up Enforcement
Oman deported 2,944 foreign workers in the first half of 2026 after identifying 11,172 expatriates in labour violations. Authorities conducted 6,707 inspections and referred 4,680 cases to prosecutors .
Bahrain has also intensified its crackdown, with the Labour Market Regulatory Authority saying 543 foreigners were deported in August following 3,152 inspections and enforcement campaigns .
Jordan has given undocumented foreign workers until September 30, 2026, to regularise their status. After that date, those who remain in violation could face deportation as inspection teams intensify enforcement across the country .
UAE Increases Action Against Residency Violators
The UAE has also increased action against residency violators. Dubai’s Al Awir Centre handled 11,696 cases during the first half of 2026 and provided plane tickets for those returning home .
Dubai immigration chief Mohammed Al Marri told The National that many of those handled by the centre were “victims of recruitment scams” after paying agencies for jobs that did not exist .
Under Cabinet Resolution No. 65 of 2022, UAE authorities possess broad discretionary powers to deport foreign residents on two grounds: individuals lacking a verifiable income, and those deemed a threat to public interest, security, or morals . This means even valid residency permits offer no absolute protection against administrative deportation .
Embassy Advisory for Kenyans
In response to the tightening regulations, the Kenyan Embassy in Riyadh has urged Kenyan citizens living in Saudi Arabia to verify the validity of their visas and take necessary steps to renew or regularise their residency status .
The embassy advised Kenyans to regularly check their visa or Iqama status through Absher or Muqeem and to engage their sponsors or employers promptly if they encounter challenges related to residency renewal .
Between July 2025 and January 2026, the embassy facilitated the repatriation of more than 2,590 Kenyans from SMASCO and other deportation centres across Saudi Arabia, including individuals facing illness or other vulnerabilities .
Implications for Kenyan Diaspora
The developments have significant implications for Kenya, where the Gulf is a critical destination for migrant workers. Kenyans work across sectors including domestic services, hospitality, construction, and security . Kenyan diaspora remittances hit a record KES 656.9 billion in the 12 months leading to July 2025, meaning any sudden wave of deportations could send shockwaves through Kenyan household budgets .
While the enforcement measures are not aimed specifically at Kenyans, workers with expired permits or those employed without authorisation face the risk of arrest, fines, detention, and deportation .
Conclusion
As Gulf states continue tightening immigration and labour controls, Kenyan workers in the region must take proactive steps to regularise their status. The Kenyan government has urged citizens to stay informed through official channels and seek consular assistance when needed. With thousands already affected and more enforcement expected, the coming months will be critical for Kenyans working across the Gulf.