UN alerted to severe labor abuses faced by migrant workers in Saudi Arabia

In a report detailing the plight of migrant workers in Saudi Arabia, the African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) raised alarms about labor practices that include rampant wage theft, forced labor, and unsafe conditions. These testimonies, gathered from African workers, reveal a cycle of exploitation and abuse facilitated by the Kafala system, which ties workers' legal status to their employers, stripping them of basic rights. With Saudi Arabia in the running to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, concerns have intensified about the potential for increased abuses. ITUC-Africa emphasized that without urgent intervention, the humanitarian situation could deteriorate further, leading to more violations of international human rights laws. Despite FIFA's commitment to uphold human rights, the structure of labor relations in Saudi Arabia impedes the creation of a safe and respectful working environment, raising questions over the suitability of the nation as a host for an international sporting event. The lack of recognition for trade unions in Saudi Arabia further complicates the possibility of reform, leaving worker abuse largely unchecked and unnoticed by international bodies until recent complaints were made.