Workers who had travelled from Kenya to take up jobs in Saudi Arabia have been forced to return home after being denied entry under new Ebola-related restrictions.
More than 350 Kenyans arrived back at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Monday, November 2, after Saudi authorities refused them entry despite the group holding valid work visas.
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Workers stranded for four days
The affected Kenyans spent four days at Sharjah Airport in the United Arab Emirates as arrangements were made for their return.
Many had travelled expecting to begin employment in Saudi Arabia and have now asked the Kenyan government to intervene before their job opportunities and visas are affected.
One of the returnees said the group had left Kenya with high expectations but was disappointed after being turned back.
Saudi Arabia tightens entry restrictions
Saudi Arabia announced new measures on October 30 following concerns over Kenya’s Ebola outbreak.
The Kingdom suspended visa issuance to travellers from Kenya and barred entry to people who had recently been in Kenya or other countries experiencing active Ebola outbreaks.
The rule also covers travellers attempting to enter Saudi Arabia through third countries.
Saudi authorities said the measures were precautionary and intended to reduce the risk of importing the virus.
Workers fear losing jobs
The restrictions have raised concern among Kenyans who rely on employment opportunities in the Gulf.
Government estimates indicate that more than 350,000 Kenyans were living and working in Saudi Arabia by July 2026, making the country one of Kenya’s most important overseas labour destinations.
The returning workers have warned that prolonged restrictions could lead to cancelled employment contracts or expired visas.
They are now urging Nairobi and Riyadh to reach an agreement that would allow affected employees to travel once health and safety concerns are addressed.
Kenya challenges Saudi measures
The Kenyan government has protested the restrictions and described them as disproportionate to the current health situation.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has argued that Kenya’s confirmed Ebola infections were linked to a single cluster and that there was no evidence of widespread community transmission when the restrictions were announced.
Kenya has also opened diplomatic discussions with Saudi Arabia and Kuwait in an attempt to have the measures reviewed.
The government says technical talks are expected to address the health concerns behind the restrictions.
WHO advises against travel restrictions
The World Health Organization says countries should generally avoid imposing restrictions on travel or trade in response to the current Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak.
WHO’s latest assessment says the outbreak situation is continuing to evolve, but its guidance remains against blanket travel restrictions on affected countries.
For the workers who have already returned to Kenya, attention will now turn to whether diplomatic talks can produce a solution before their employment opportunities are lost.
