Migrant workers in Saudi Arabia face systemic abuse and exploitation

Saudi Arabia’s treatment of migrant workers continues to draw global concern with systemic exploitation and alarming rates of fatalities in the country’s ambitious megaprojects.

An estimated 21,000 migrant workers have died since construction began on NEOM, Saudi Arabia’s flagship megacity, as part of the Vision 2030 initiative.

This equals more than 8 deaths a day over the past 8 years, with thousands of workers reported missing.

The majority of the deceased are from Nepal, India, and Bangladesh. Over 14,000 Indian workers alone have lost their lives during this time.

The figures highlighted in the Kingdom Uncovered: Inside Saudi Arabia documentary demonstrate the grave risks faced by migrant workers in the country.

In addition to fatalities, migrants face bad working conditions, wage theft, and gruelling hours that exceed international labour standards.

People reportedly work up to 84 hours a week, even though Saudi law caps legal working hours, including overtime, at 60 hours.

Domestic workers in Saudi Arabia are among the most vulnerable to exploitation and abuse.

Many turn to social media as a last resort to seek help, sharing their experiences of sexual abuse and mistreatment.

People who attempt to escape abusive employers often find themselves outside the formal labour system, leaving them trapped in exploitative black-market arrangements.

The problem of fleeing workers remains critical, as they’re at risk of detention and more abuse.

Saudi Arabia has detained over 8 million people for immigration-related violations under the current regime, with over 40,000 people held in detention centres.

Conditions in these centres are described as appalling. Detainees are reportedly forced to sleep in plastic bags, limited access to water, and no basic services.

The Saudi Government has reportedly banned mobile phones in these facilities to prevent the documentation of abuses rather than addressing the inhumane conditions.

The Kingdom’s treatment of migrant workers has drawn parallels to the exploitation during Qatar’s 2022 FIFA World Cup preparations, where at least 6,600 workers died.

Despite these glaring issues, Saudi Arabia was officially announced as the host of the 2034 FIFA World Cup in 2024.

Human rights organisations and labour advocates continue to urge FIFA to reconsider, highlighting the structural and endemic nature of labour abuses in Saudi Arabia.

Calls for accountability have grown louder following the recent rejection of Saudi Arabia’s bid for a seat on the UN Human Rights Council.

Civil society organisations and international governments are increasingly pressuring the Saudi government to improve migrant protections, close enforcement gaps, and expand labour laws to cover all workers, including domestic workers.

The Saudi Government has strongly refuted allegations of systemic abuse, citing reforms to the kafala system and improvements in occupational safety and health standards.

These include protections against harsh summer working conditions and the introduction of health insurance provisions.

However, significant gaps in enforcement and the exclusion of domestic workers from key labour protections undermine these reforms.

Advocates argue that unless the Saudi Government takes comprehensive action to protect the rights of migrant workers, civil society must lead the charge in holding them accountable.

This includes pressuring FIFA to prioritise human rights when evaluating bids and to withdraw Saudi Arabia’s hosting rights for the 2034 World Cup.

Increased scrutiny from international media, such as the ITVX documentary adds momentum to these efforts.

The documentary provides rare footage of working conditions, testimonies of abuse, and evidence of widespread exploitation.

Western governments are being urged to rethink their engagement strategies with Saudi Arabia.

Migrant workers are the backbone of Saudi Arabia’s economic ambitions. But they continue to face dangerous and inhumane conditions.

Abuse will continue without meaningful reform and accountability. This casts a shadow over the Kingdom’s image and undermines claims of progress and modernisation.