RIYADH— A new report by Human Rights Watch (HRW) has shed light on extensive labor rights abuses in Saudi Arabia, documenting exploitation of migrant workers and insufficient oversight by state agencies.

Released on Wednesday, the report comes at a critical time as Saudi Arabia campaigns to host the 2035 FIFA World Cup, raising concerns about the potential for further abuses in infrastructure development tied to the event.

The HRW report highlights a range of violations experienced by migrant workers, including unpaid wages, forced relocations, abrupt contract changes, substandard safety measures, and exploitative working conditions.

Many workers enter the country through recruitment agencies, often paying hefty fees for employment opportunities. However, once in Saudi Arabia, they frequently face unpaid or reduced wages and job reassignments that leave them with little recourse.

HRW attributes much of the problem to the kingdom’s Kafalah system, under which workers’ employment and residency status are tied to their employers.

This arrangement grants employers significant control over workers, including the ability to revoke their sponsorship, effectively rendering them undocumented and unable to work legally or switch jobs.

The report also underscores the lack of collective bargaining rights and restrictions on workers’ freedom of expression, which exacerbate their vulnerability.

Although Saudi Arabia has introduced reforms like the “Labor Reform Initiative” (LRI) to address some of these issues, HRW argues these measures are insufficient and poorly enforced.

The report cites instances where workers were coerced into signing contracts that barred them from changing jobs, despite the reforms supposedly allowing greater job mobility.

World Cup Bid Sparks Fears of Escalating Abuses
HRW’s report raises particular alarm over the potential exploitation of workers involved in constructing stadiums and other infrastructure for the 2035 FIFA World Cup.

The organization warns that unless systemic changes are made, the event could exacerbate existing labor abuses.

FIFA’s bidding protocols require host nations to respect international human rights and labor standards, but HRW questions whether Saudi Arabia’s current practices align with these commitments.

Recommendations for Reform
In its report, HRW calls on Saudi Arabia to strengthen labor laws, enhance enforcement mechanisms, and abolish the Kafalah system entirely.

It also urges migrant workers’ home countries to engage in regular dialogue with Saudi authorities to ensure better protection for their nationals.

Additionally, HRW recommends improved safety regulations and fair wage practices, alongside greater transparency in the recruitment process to prevent exploitation.

Previous Criticism and International Obligations
Saudi Arabia has faced longstanding criticism over its human rights record, including labor rights violations, arbitrary arrests, and suppression of dissent.

Despite these issues, the kingdom remains a signatory to key International Labour Organization (ILO) treaties, such as Convention C029, which prohibits forced labor, and Convention C095, which safeguards workers from wage withholding.

Critics argue that while these international commitments exist on paper, their implementation remains lackluster.

As Saudi Arabia continues its bid for the 2035 FIFA World Cup, HRW and other advocacy groups stress that meaningful reforms are urgently needed to ensure the protection of workers’ rights.

Whether the kingdom can balance its ambitious goals with its obligations to uphold labor and human rights remains to be seen.