Human rights organizations are sounding alarms over a reported surge in fatalities among migrant construction workers in Saudi Arabia, coinciding with the country’s preparation to host the 2034 World Cup. Reports from Human Rights Watch and FairSquare highlight concerning trends, including incidents that are often misclassified as natural deaths, leaving affected families without compensation.
Minky Worden, director of Global Initiatives at Human Rights Watch, expressed grave concerns, stating, “The 2034 Saudi World Cup will be the largest and most expensive ever, but it could also have the highest cost in human lives.” The country is tasked with constructing extensive infrastructure for the tournament, including multiple stadiums and accommodations, raising fears of further casualties amid a relentless work pace.
These warnings follow a significant visit from FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who attended an investment forum in the country alongside former President Donald Trump. While FIFA claims a commitment to upholding human rights within its operations, Human Rights Watch criticized the organization for not adequately addressing the lessons from the migrant worker fatalities linked to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Data on fatalities in Saudi Arabia is notably scarce, largely due to limited access for human rights observers and the prohibition of labor unions. In a recent investigation, Human Rights Watch engaged with families of 31 workers from Bangladesh, India, and Nepal who tragically lost their lives to preventable accidents like falls and electrocutions. As construction picks up for the World Cup, concerns grow about the impact of extreme heat on worker safety.
Reports have emerged of specific incidents, including the death of Muhammad Arshad, a foreman who died after falling from a construction site in Al Khobar, marking the first fatality tied to World Cup preparations. Although the Saudi government has reported improvements in occupational health and safety, organizations like the global construction workers' union, BWI, have cited a troubling spike in accidents attributed to systemic negligence.
FairSquare has criticized the medical system in Saudi Arabia, stating that autopsies are rarely performed to determine the cause of migrant workers’ deaths, deepening the tragedy for families left without answers or support. James Lynch, co-director of FairSquare, condemned the situation, asserting that Saudi Arabia’s lack of accountability poses serious risks for migrant workers and their families.
In response to these issues, FIFA announced plans to establish a workers’ welfare system aimed at enforcing worker protections for World Cup-related construction. However, Human Rights Watch has expressed skepticism regarding the lack of details about this system’s implementation.
Overall, the dire situation facing migrant workers in Saudi Arabia ahead of the 2034 World Cup continues to raise urgent calls for greater accountability, safety measures, and compassionate treatment of the families affected by these avoidable tragedies.
