A new report from Human Rights Watch (HRW) has raised serious alarms about the treatment of migrant workers in Saudi Arabia, shedding light on a disturbing trend of human rights violations exacerbated by a lack of accountability from government officials.
Published on Wednesday, the report not only delves into the various abuses faced by these workers but also presents a series of recommendations aimed at government authorities, employers, and other key players.
This comes at a crucial time as the country gears up for the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
Issues Faced by Migrant Workers
The HRW findings paint a grim picture: migrant workers frequently encounter a host of issues, including delayed or unpaid salaries, forced relocations, abrupt changes to employment contracts, insufficient safety measures, and generally hazardous working conditions.
Many of these workers pay recruitment agencies hefty fees to secure employment in Saudi Arabia, only to face disillusionment when their employers fail to fulfill wage agreements or push them into lower-paying roles than what was initially promised.
Often, they lack the power to challenge these unfair practices.
As preparations for the 2034 World Cup intensify, concerns mount that the situation could worsen, particularly with the construction of infrastructure for the event.
The Kafalah System
One critical factor undermining workers’ rights in Saudi Arabia is the Kafalah system, which links work visas to employer sponsorship.
This means if an employer withdraws their support, the worker is left without legal standing to stay in the country or find new employment.
The restrictions don’t end there; workers face significant barriers in collective bargaining and freedom of expression.
While the Saudi government has initiated some reforms, including the Labor Reform Initiative (LRI) to facilitate job mobility, HRW argues that these efforts are ultimately weak and poorly implemented.
There have been instances where migrants are coerced into signing contracts that lock them into their jobs, denying them the ability to seek better opportunities.
Recommendations for Improvement
In response to these alarming conditions, HRW has called on both Saudi authorities and businesses to take concrete actions.
They recommend that the Saudi government enhance labor regulations and safety standards and reconsider the stringent work visa rules.
Moreover, HRW encourages the governments of countries that supply migrant labor to engage in ongoing discussions with Saudi Arabia to advocate for better labor protections and uphold the freedom of movement for their citizens.
Historically, Saudi Arabia has faced significant scrutiny for various human rights abuses, including labor rights violations and crackdowns on dissent.
Despite these challenges, the kingdom continues to be a party to several International Labour Organization (ILO) treaties designed to eliminate forced labor and prevent the unlawful withholding of wages.
Furthermore, FIFA requires that any nation bidding to host the World Cup comply with international human rights standards as outlined by the United Nations’ Guiding Principles.
This underlines the critical need for attention to labor rights as Saudi Arabia sets the stage for a global event in the coming years.
Source: Jurist