More than 350 Kenyans who travelled to Saudi Arabia in search of employment have been forced to return home after authorities denied them entry over concerns surrounding the Ebola outbreak in Kenya.

The affected workers arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Monday, November 2, after spending four days stranded at Sharjah Airport in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The group had travelled to Saudi Arabia on October 30 with valid employment visas but was turned away following new restrictions introduced by the Saudi government.

One of the affected workers, Mary Njau, described the experience as frustrating, saying many had travelled with high hopes of starting new jobs but were left disappointed after being denied entry.

She appealed to the Kenyan government to intervene and engage Saudi authorities before their employment opportunities and visas expire.

Other returnees also complained about the conditions they experienced while stranded at the airport, with some reporting limited meals and sleeping on airport floors.

Recruitment Agencies Raise Alarm Over More Affected Workers

The Association of Skilled Migrant Agencies of Kenya (ASMAK) has called for urgent government intervention, warning that the restrictions could affect thousands of Kenyans seeking employment in Saudi Arabia.

The association’s Assistant Secretary General, Elab Muridi, revealed that more than 350 workers were returning home, while approximately 150 others remained in transit.

He further disclosed that recruitment documents for about 2,200 workers had already been processed, with the applicants expected to travel to Saudi Arabia.

ASMAK Secretary General Monica Mwema said recruitment agencies had been caught off guard by the restrictions, with some workers already having confirmed flight bookings.

She questioned how the 21-day restriction would affect Kenyans holding valid employment visas and whether they would be required to undergo quarantine before being allowed into Saudi Arabia.

The association warned that continued uncertainty could result in financial losses for workers and recruitment agencies, particularly those who had already paid for training, medical examinations and travel arrangements.

Why Saudi Arabia Blocked Kenyan Workers

Saudi Arabia announced the restrictions on October 30, suspending travel by its citizens to Kenya and halting the issuance of all visa categories to travellers from the country.

The Kingdom also prohibited entry to travellers who had stayed in Kenya or another country experiencing an active Ebola outbreak within the 21 days preceding their arrival, including those travelling through third countries.

The decision followed Kenya’s confirmation of an outbreak of Bundibugyo-strain Ebola, which had recorded nine confirmed cases and two deaths.

However, Kenya’s Ministry of Health criticised the restrictions, arguing that they were excessive and did not reflect the country’s actual epidemiological situation.

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale maintained that the confirmed infections were linked to a single cluster originating from an imported case, with no evidence of widespread community transmission.

Kenya Opens Diplomatic Talks With Saudi Arabia

The Kenyan government has since opened diplomatic discussions with Saudi Arabia and Kuwait in an effort to have the restrictions reviewed.

Officials from Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs met representatives of both countries to present Nairobi’s concerns and seek clarification on the measures.

The discussions are expected to address the impact of the restrictions on Kenyan workers, particularly those who already possess valid employment visas and confirmed travel arrangements.

Saudi Arabia remains one of the largest destinations for Kenyan migrant workers, with government estimates indicating that more than 350,000 Kenyans were living and working in the Kingdom as of July 2026.

The affected workers are now waiting for diplomatic efforts to resolve the situation and establish whether they will be allowed to return to Saudi Arabia and take up their employment opportunities.