The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to intervene and secure the safe return of Nigerians affected by recent reforms implemented by Saudi Arabian authorities.

The lawmakers told the Federal Government that the reforms have rendered many Nigerians stranded and jobless.

Adopting a motion moved by Muhammad Bello Shehu, who represents Fagge Federal Constituency, at Wednesday’s plenary, the House called for the Saudi authorities to consider amnesty for Nigerians willing to return home.

Shehu, in his motion, recalled that the Saudi authorities in August 2024 introduced significant reforms that affected the labour laws more than any other sector of the economy.

He said the initiated reforms include a revised definition of “Assignment” and “Resignation” and non-renewal of work permits for domestic workers’ regularisation, among others.

He said the reforms have affected so many Nigerians living in Saudi Arabia for years with large families, adding that the reforms had pushed some of them out of their jobs, while some are faced with high fees for renewal of their documents and work permits.

He added that some domestic workers, such as drivers, were laid off, saying they can’t afford renewal and can’t exit the country as they possess no means of paying the accumulated overstay.

Shehu, who also serves as the Vice Chairman of the House Committee on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), noted that while Nigeria and Saudi Arabia have long-standing historical ties, the recent legal reforms have left many Nigerians unemployed and unable to regularise their residency.

He said: “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.

“Concerned that 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.

“Cognizant of the fact that countries such as the United Kingdom, Greece, Belgium, Portugal, and most recently the United Arab Emirates (UAE) had at a point used amnesties on immigrants, hence the call for the Saudi authorities to consider amnesty for Nigerians willing to return home.”

The House mandated the House Committees on Foreign Affairs, Interior, Diaspora, and Muslim Pilgrimage to engage the Executive Arm and ensure a negotiation of an amnesty window for Nigerians living in Saudi Arabia who are willing to return home and also ensure their safe evacuation.

The committee is to report back to the House within six weeks.