Amnesty International has released a report detailing severe human rights abuses suffered by migrant workers involved in the construction of the Riyadh Metro system in Saudi Arabia. The report, published on July 30, 2024, highlights a pattern of exploitation, including unpaid wages, unsafe working conditions, and restrictions on movement, endured by thousands of workers, primarily from countries like Nepal, India, and Bangladesh. These abuses spanned a decade of the project's construction.
The Amnesty report, based on interviews with dozens of affected workers, paints a grim picture of systematic mistreatment. Workers reported being forced to work excessively long hours in dangerous conditions, often without adequate safety equipment. Many had their passports confiscated and were thus unable to leave the country. Some reported being denied their wages for extended periods, plunging them and their families into financial hardship. Specific instances included heatstroke and injuries from inadequate safety precautions. The report details how contractors frequently disregarded labor laws and regulations.
Key findings of the report reveal that a significant proportion of the workers experienced wage theft, with some waiting months or even years to receive their due. The report states that workers faced threats and intimidation if they spoke out about their conditions, making it difficult to report abuses. In some cases, employers allegedly used the Kafala system to control workers and prevent them from changing jobs or leaving the country. The report urges the Saudi government to investigate the allegations and provide compensation to the affected workers.
“The scale of the abuses is shocking,” said one spokesperson from Amnesty, “Workers, many of whom came to Saudi Arabia seeking a better life for their families, found themselves trapped in a cycle of exploitation.” The report included testimonies of Nepalese workers detailing harrowing experiences, with many expressing regret at ever taking the job. These individuals described a constant fear and a sense of helplessness, trapped in a foreign land with little recourse against powerful employers.
Responding to the findings, Amnesty International has called for the Saudi Arabian government to take immediate action. The human rights organization recommended that proper investigations must be undertaken and those responsible for these abuses be held accountable. Furthermore, Amnesty urged companies responsible for the construction to provide appropriate compensation to all exploited workers, including Nepalese citizens.
For the Nepali diaspora community, this report is deeply concerning. Many of our community members, both past and present, have worked in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries, seeking economic opportunities. This report underscores the vulnerabilities migrant workers face and highlights the need for governments and international organizations to ensure the protection and fair treatment of Nepali citizens abroad. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices our community makes for a better life and the importance of advocating for their rights.
