After enduring months of pain, trauma, illness, and injustice in a foreign country, South African teacher and founder of Tiny Steps, Naadia Sheik Hameed, has finally returned home. Hameed, who left South Africa in July in pursuit of a promising opportunity, found herself trapped in a distressing situation abroad.
She was stranded in Saudi Arabia for over six months, unable to leave against her will due to her kafeel (employer), who accused her of breaching her contract after she questioned discrepancies between what was promised and what was delivered. During this time, she fell severely ill with gastritis, which led to dehydration and further complications.
Her employer demanded approximately R350,000 for her release just two months after she was placed in distress. She was declared unfit to work after only seven weeks in the country, yet her employer refused to accept medical reports from South African specialists or even those issued by the Saudi Ministry of Health.
During investigations, colleagues threatened to report her to authorities for absenteeism and absconding from work—despite her documented medical inability to perform her duties. The severe shock, trauma, and isolation she endured took a heavy toll on her well-being. If she failed to pay the kafeel, she faced the threat of imprisonment. A legal case was pursued against her in the Saudi labour courts, dragging on from September 2024 until late January 2025, causing immense emotional and financial strain.
After four months and 17 days of distress, Hameed won her legal case against her employer. However, the victory came at a significant cost—just two days before the judge’s verdict, she suffered a mild angina attack. Despite her health struggles, she expressed deep gratitude to Legal Allies, a Saudi-based legal team that represented her pro bono.
“Without their support, I don’t know how I would have made it. They fought for me when I felt like I had no voice. They assured me that I had committed no crime and that the justice system in Saudi Arabia would rule fairly,” Hameed said.
Initially, she remained silent about her ordeal, hoping for a swift resolution. However, as her circumstances worsened, she made a desperate plea for help. “There were moments when I thought I wouldn’t make it home,” she admitted. “But my faith kept me going. I held onto the belief that there would be a way out, no matter how bleak it seemed.”
Hameed had been drawn to Saudi Arabia by the promise of a R42,000 monthly salary with free accommodation—an opportunity she believed would change her life. However, she soon realised the reality was vastly different. She only received her full salary once and faced unexpected deductions for repairs to a leaking, roach-infested apartment she was forced to share with others. Additional expenses, such as utilities, gas, and building fees, further eroded her earnings.
Upon her arrival, she was not given time to review her employment contract and later discovered she would not be permitted to visit her three minor children during holidays unless she performed exceptionally well—turning travel into an incentive rather than a right, even at her own cost.
Her health began to deteriorate after contracting severe gastrointestinal issues, leaving her bedridden for four days. She was unable to access adequate medical care due to a lack of funds to cover shortfalls in her medical insurance, which had not been disclosed to her beforehand. When she reached out to her employer for assistance, she was instead summoned for an internal investigation—an act she described as lacking empathy and basic human consideration.
As her physical and mental health declined, South African medical professionals confirmed her worsening condition through online consultations. However, no intervention came. “I felt trapped and completely alone,” she recalled. “Even when I presented evidence of my health issues, no one seemed willing to act. It was as though I didn’t matter.”
Saudi Arabia’s restrictive legal system posed additional challenges. Seeking justice could take months or even years and required substantial financial resources. All formal proceedings were conducted in Arabic, meaning she had to pay for professional translations of every legal document, medical report, and piece of evidence—further adding to her financial burden.
At the height of her legal battle, NMJ Associates, an organisation she refers to fondly, helped arrange for her husband to fly to Saudi Arabia in an attempt to expedite her return and ensure her safety. Unfortunately, his presence did little to change the situation. However, the emotional support he provided during his two-week stay was invaluable to Hameed and her family, who remain deeply grateful to NMJ for their ongoing assistance.
Under Sharia law, interpretations and implementations differ significantly from South African legal frameworks. Labour laws and regulations in Saudi Arabia are vastly different from those in South Africa, creating further obstacles for foreign workers seeking justice.
Mohammed Moosa of SAMIG reiterated Hameed’s advice to all South Africans considering employment abroad, urging them to thoroughly review contracts and research potential employers before making any commitments. “The grass is never greener on the other side,” he cautioned. “We assist all South Africans moving to any country by providing guidance on housing, schooling, and general advice. If anyone needs support, SAMIG has a fully functional WhatsApp helpline at 071 363 3800 for assistance outside South Africa. Our helpdesk is always available to offer guidance,” he added.
After a long and painful struggle, Hameed is finally back home. While she is relieved to have escaped her ordeal, she hopes that sharing her story will raise awareness about the risks and challenges faced by foreign workers in unfamiliar legal and cultural environments.
