Acknowledging American Privilege While Living Abroad
The Harrowing Realities for Others Seeking a Better Life
As an American living abroad, it’s easy to romanticize the experience—immersing yourself in new cultures, exploring foreign landscapes, and enjoying the freedom of mobility. But what often goes unspoken is the stark contrast between the privilege of voluntary relocation and the desperate migration of others seeking survival.
A recent New York Times article highlights the horrifying plight of women from Kenya and Uganda lured into domestic work in Saudi Arabia, only to find themselves trapped in conditions of exploitation and abuse. Their stories serve as a sobering reminder of how vastly different the experiences of migration can be, depending on where you’re from.
The False Promise of Opportunity
For many women in East Africa, the promise of higher wages and financial stability abroad is a beacon of hope—sounds like my very own story. Recruitment agencies paint a picture of decent salaries, free accommodations, and the ability to send money back home to support their families. However, the reality is far more harrowing. Upon arrival in Saudi Arabia, many women face grueling work conditions, physical and sexual abuse, and the confiscation of their passports—stripping them of their freedom.
Unlike Americans and other Western expats, who often have the privilege of securing work permits, negotiating salaries, and accessing embassies when facing issues, many domestic workers from African nations are left without recourse. Their vulnerability is exacerbated by the kafala system, a sponsorship program that gives employers near-total control over their laborers.
The Privilege of Mobility
As Americans, we carry passports that grant us access to over 180 countries visa-free or with minimal barriers. This privilege allows us to traverse borders with ease—whether for career growth, leisure, or cultural exploration. For millions of others, however, crossing a border can mean risking their lives, enduring exploitation, or being criminalized for simply seeking safety or employment.
For instance, while American travelers can freely enter and leave countries like Saudi Arabia or the UAE, domestic workers often face indefinite contracts, wage theft, and the threat of deportation if they resist abuse. The disparity is stark and inescapable.
Rethinking Expat Privilege
It’s easy to enjoy the perks of being an American abroad—expat networks, lifestyle upgrades, and the luxury of leaving if things go wrong. However, stories like those of Kenyan and Ugandan domestic workers in Saudi Arabia serve as a reminder that our freedom of movement is a privilege! Recognizing this privilege means actively advocating for the dignity and rights of migrants and laborers whose experiences are defined by the lack of safety nets that many Western expats take for granted.
What Can We Do?
Stay informed: Read and share articles that amplify the realities of migrant labor abuse.
Support ethical travel and hiring practices: When hiring domestic help abroad, ensure they are treated fairly and paid justly.
Use your platform responsibly: If you’re documenting your life abroad, highlight the full spectrum of experiences—including the struggles of marginalized migrant workers.
Advocate for policy reform: Support organizations and campaigns calling for the abolition of exploitative systems like kafala.
As Americans living or traveling abroad, it’s essential to acknowledge the immense privilege we carry. While we may face occasional inconveniences, they pale in comparison to the life-or-death risks that so many others face in pursuit of basic security and dignity.
Let us travel, live, and engage with the world with awareness, compassion, and a commitment to justice.
Share this newsletter with your network and spark a conversation about mobility privilege and human rights.