In the eight years since the launch of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030 project, more than 21,000 workers have reportedly lost their lives on construction sites across the Kingdom, according to recent data.
Human rights advocates and worker advocacy groups are voicing serious concerns over labor conditions, raising questions about the safety and treatment of the thousands of foreign workers who power Saudi Arabia’s construction boom.
The massive, multibillion-dollar developments, spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, aim to diversify the country’s oil-based economy by making Saudi Arabia a global tourism and economic hub.
Among the most ambitious projects is Neom, a futuristic city on the Red Sea that includes plans for The Line, a city stretching 170 kilometers, and Sindalah Island, a luxury getaway with high-end hotels, restaurants, and shopping destinations.
However, while Saudi Arabia markets these projects as transformative, workers on the ground are describing their experiences in starkly different terms, highlighting grueling conditions and alleged human rights abuses.
ITV’s recent documentary, “Kingdom Uncovered: Inside Saudi Arabia”, has shed light on the disturbing conditions faced by many workers employed under Vision 2030.
Through interviews with workers and families of those who lost their lives, the documentary presents allegations of unpaid wages, extended working hours, and unsanitary accommodations that workers say leave them feeling like “trapped slaves.”
One worker interviewed in the documentary described how he has not received his wages for months, leaving him and his colleagues stranded and unable to return to their home countries.
The controversy has only intensified following reports that over 100,000 migrant workers have allegedly gone missing amid the construction projects.
Local human rights organizations have expressed concerns that these “disappearances” could point to a broader issue of undocumented deaths, injuries, or forced labor practices that have gone unreported.
Reports indicate that many of the deceased are migrant workers from South and Southeast Asia, drawn to Saudi Arabia by the promise of well-paying jobs, only to find themselves in challenging and, at times, life-threatening situations.
“The scale of labor violations occurring in Saudi Arabia is truly concerning,” commented a representative from Human Rights Watch. “These projects are costing lives, and the lack of accountability from the developers and authorities makes it difficult for workers’ families to seek justice.”
Vision 2030 is expected to cost trillions and promises to reshape the country’s economy and international reputation. Neom’s Sindalah Island, recently unveiled as a luxury destination, exemplifies the vision’s scale, aiming to attract affluent tourists to its state-of-the-art hotels and restaurants.
Yet, as images of luxurious islands and futuristic cityscapes continue to circulate globally, human rights groups argue that the lives of workers powering these projects are being overlooked, drawing further attention to the high human cost of development.
Saudi officials have not directly addressed the allegations of labor abuses but maintain that the country is committed to improving labor standards.
In recent years, the government has introduced labor reforms intended to protect migrant workers, including efforts to overhaul the controversial Kafala sponsorship system. However, human rights advocates argue these measures remain insufficient and poorly enforced.
As Saudi Arabia pushes forward with Vision 2030, calls for improved labor rights, comprehensive investigations, and greater transparency are growing louder.
For the families of the deceased and the thousands still working on Vision 2030 projects, the journey towards a safer work environment continues.