The House of Representatives has called on the federal government to rescue Nigerians living in Saudi Arabia affected by the recent labour and immigration reforms introduced by the Saudi authorities.
The call followed the adoption of a motion on urgent public importance moved by Rep. Muhammad Bello Shehu (NNPP, Kano) at the plenary on Wednesday.
Presenting the motion, Shehu said the Saudi authorities had in August 2024 introduced significant reforms that affected the labour laws more than any other sector of the economy.
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He said the initiated reforms include revised definition of “Assignment” and “Resignation”, non-renewal of work permits for domestic workers, regularisation, among others.
Rep. Shehu said the reforms had affected many Nigerians living in Saudi Arabia for years with large families.
He added that the reforms had pushed some of them out of their jobs, while some of them were faced with high fees for renewal of their documents and work permits.
“Some domestic workers such as drivers were laid off. They can’t afford renewal and can’t exit the country as they possess no means of paying accumulated overstayed.
“The aspect of Urban Renewal of the reforms has further worsened their situation, as most of the properties they can afford to rent came under demolition to pave way for development of the cities. This worrisome development has exposed some Nigerians to untold hardship and pushed their children out of school.
“The Executive Arm through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not adequately engaged the Saudi Authorities with a view to securing a window of amnesty for our citizenry and/or proposed workable ways that may see to the evacuation and return of Nigerians back home,” he said.
The lawmaker called on the Saudi authorities to consider amnesty for Nigerians willing to return home.
The house adopted the motion and mandated its committees on Foreign Affairs, Interior, Diaspora, and Muslim Pilgrimage to engage the Executive Arm, ensure a negotiation of amnesty window for Nigerians living in Saudi Arabia who are willing to return home and also ensure their safe evacuation and report to the house within six weeks.
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