In Saudi Arabia, the plight of migrant workers is dire, characterized by profound exploitation within the ambitious megaprojects of NEOM and Vision 2030. Since the onset of construction, an estimated 21,000 workers have died—averaging over eight fatalities daily—many of whom hail from Nepal, India, and Bangladesh, with over 14,000 Indian lives lost. This grim reality is further underscored by the documentary “Kingdom Uncovered: Inside Saudi Arabia,” which reveals the perilous conditions faced by these workers.
Beyond fatalities, those who migrate for work endure harsh conditions, wage theft, and excessively long hours, often reaching up to 84 hours a week. Despite Saudi law limiting working hours to 60, enforcement remains weak, leaving workers vulnerable to grueling schedules. Domestic workers, in particular, are at risk, often resorting to social media to share accounts of abuse, revealing a systemic failure to protect them.
Additionally, the risk of fleeing abusive situations is a terrifying reality; many are trapped in a precarious limbo of black-market exploitation. If they attempt to escape, they face detention, abuse, and a lack of legal recourse. Over eight million immigrants have been detained for violations, with over 40,000 languishing in dire conditions that often include sleeping on plastic bags and limited access to water—basic human rights stripped away.
Internationally, Saudi Arabia’s treatment of migrant workers has drawn unsettling comparisons to labor abuses witnessed in Qatar during the preparations for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where at least 6,600 workers died. Despite this troubling backdrop, Saudi Arabia was named the host for the 2034 FIFA World Cup, prompting human rights advocates to call for accountability and reform, urging FIFA to rethink these decisions amid ongoing, systemic labor abuses.
In response to allegations of abuse, the Saudi government has pointed to reforms in the kafala system and improved health standards, which they claim ensure safer working conditions. Notably absent, however, are equitable protections for domestic workers, perpetuating a cycle of negligence. Civil society is rising to the occasion, advocating for greater accountability and pressing FIFA to prioritize human rights in its decisions regarding sports hosting rights.
Heightened scrutiny from international media, particularly through documentaries revealing harsh working conditions and testimonies of exploitation, amplifies these calls for systemic change. The narrative is clear: migrant workers, vital to Saudi Arabia’s economic ambitions, face dangerous and inhumane conditions that persist without genuine reform and oversight. Failure to address these abuses undermines claims of progress and casts a shadow over the Kingdom’s modernization efforts.
Migrant workers in Saudi Arabia face severe exploitation, with an estimated 21,000 dying since NEOM’s construction began, averaging over eight deaths daily. They endure poor working conditions, wage theft, and exploitation, particularly domestic workers. Although the government cites reforms, significant gaps exist, prompting global scrutiny and calls for accountability, especially in light of the upcoming 2034 FIFA World Cup.
The ongoing exploitation of migrant workers in Saudi Arabia reveals a complex web of systemic abuses that require urgent attention. While the government cites reforms, significant protections remain inadequate, particularly for the most vulnerable. The mounting global pressure and the call for accountability signify a critical turning point. Without meaningful reform, the rights and dignity of these workers will continue to be compromised, overshadowing the Kingdom’s ambitions for modernization.
Migrant workers form a crucial part of Saudi Arabia’s economic landscape, particularly in large-scale construction projects. However, alarming reports of worker fatalities and systemic abuse raise questions about the country’s adherence to international labor standards and human rights. The Saudi government has initiated reforms yet struggles with enforcement, especially regarding protections for vulnerable worker categories like domestic employees. The backdrop includes increasing international scrutiny and calls for accountability highlighted by ongoing projects and events like the FIFA World Cup.
Original Source: www.walkfree.org
