Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – November 25, 2025 : – In a historic development for Somali migrant workers in Saudi Arabia, the Somali Congress of Trade Unions (SOCOTU) and the Saudi National Committee of Workers Committees (SNC) have signed a landmark cooperation agreement to strengthen labor protections and improve working conditions.
The signing took place in Riyadh following a two-day mission by a SOCOTU delegation led by President Mohamed Osman Haji and Secretary General Mohamud Hassan, who met with SNC Chairman Eng. Nasser Aljaryad and other senior labor officials. The agreement was formally witnessed by Abdiaziz Sheikh Abdirahman, Chargé d’Affaires of the Somali Embassy in Saudi Arabia, who described the signing as “a decisive step toward securing the rights and welfare of Somali workers in the Kingdom.”
“This agreement is a historic victory for Somali workers,” Haji said after the ceremony. “It ensures that their rights are recognized and protected, and it strengthens the support structures available to them while working abroad. SOCOTU remains committed to defending the dignity and welfare of all Somali laborers.”
The deal comes at a time of renewed bilateral cooperation between the Somali and Saudi Ministries of Labor, aimed at formalizing labor recruitment and ensuring safe, fair employment for Somali workers. Under the new framework, workers already in the Kingdom, as well as those recruited in the future, will benefit from stronger legal protections, clear contractual obligations, and access to mechanisms for reporting grievances.
Officials said the agreement sets up channels for continuous dialogue, joint initiatives, and the exchange of knowledge between Somali and Saudi labor authorities. The focus is on improving workplace safety, preventing exploitation, and providing fair working conditions in line with International Labour Organization (ILO) standards.
Eng. Nasser Aljaryad, Chairman of SNC, highlighted the importance of collaboration with SOCOTU, stating, “Migrant workers are vital to the Kingdom’s workforce. By working together, we ensure that Somali workers receive fair treatment, safety, and respect while contributing to Saudi Arabia’s economy.”
The Somali diaspora in Saudi Arabia welcomed the agreement, calling it a “long-overdue milestone” that will protect workers from abuse and ensure their contributions are recognized. Community leaders stressed that the agreement also provides peace of mind to families in Somalia who rely on remittances sent home by their loved ones.
“This is more than an agreement; it is a commitment to the rights, safety, and dignity of Somali workers,” said Abdiaziz Sheikh Abdirahman, Chargé d’Affaires of the Somali Embassy. “It demonstrates that both governments are serious about protecting migrant labor and ensuring fair treatment for all.”
SOCOTU and SNC officials indicated that the partnership will extend beyond the signing, with future programs aimed at monitoring working conditions, providing labor rights training, and addressing issues raised by workers in real-time.
For many Somali workers, this landmark agreement represents not only protection and fairness but also recognition of their important role in the Kingdom’s economy. It is a historic achievement that sets a precedent for stronger labor governance and social justice for migrant workers across the region.
