Amnesty International has released a report alleging that Bangladeshi, Nepali, and Indian migrant workers employed on the Riyadh Metro project in Saudi Arabia were subjected to exploitation over a decade. The report, based on interviews and investigations, details various human rights abuses, including wage theft, dangerous working conditions, and restrictions on freedom of movement. The alleged abuses occurred between 2013 and 2023, concerning many Nepalese
The Amnesty International report highlights a pattern of systemic exploitation, suggesting that the companies involved prioritized profit over the well-being and rights of migrant workers. The organisation documented instances where workers' salaries were withheld for months, their passports were confiscated, and their ability to change employers was severely limited. These practices, Amnesty argues, have left workers vulnerable to abuse and trapped in a cycle of debt and hardship. The Riyadh Metro project construction was carried out by a consortium of construction companies from around the world.
The report includes testimonies from numerous migrant workers, including Nepali citizens, who described experiencing harsh working conditions. Workers reported working long hours in extreme heat without adequate rest, and being denied access to proper medical care when injured. Some recounted experiencing overcrowded and unsanitary living arrangements provided by the companies. These living arrangements contributed to the worker's exploitation, say many reports of the same nature.
Amnesty International has called upon the Saudi Arabian government and the companies involved in the Riyadh Metro project to investigate the allegations and provide remedy to the affected workers. The organisation demands that those responsible for the abuses face accountability and that measures are implemented to prevent future exploitation. The report includes recommendations for improving labor practices in the construction industry within Saudi Arabia.
The Nepali diaspora community, which includes a significant number of migrant workers in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries, will undoubtedly be concerned by these findings. Many Nepali families depend on remittances sent home by migrant workers to support their livelihoods. The alleged exploitation on the Riyadh Metro project raises serious questions about the safety, and the protections afforded to Nepali workers abroad.
This report serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of Nepali migrant workers to exploitation and the urgent need for greater oversight and enforcement of labor laws. It also highlights the importance of raising awareness and advocating for the rights of Nepali workers, and ensuring that those who have suffered injustices receive appropriate support and redress. It’s important for diaspora members to share this information and support organisations working on the ground.
