Countdown to 2034 World Cup Highlights Migrant Worker Rights Concerns in Saudi Arabia

As the countdown to the 2034 World Cup begins, concerns are mounting over the treatment of migrant workers in Saudi Arabia, a country poised to host one of the world’s most prestigious sporting events. An international charity has issued a stark warning to companies eyeing World Cup-related contracts and potential migrant workers considering employment in the Kingdom, emphasizing that the prevailing environment for labor rights remains precarious. In an article released to coincide with International Migrants Day, Isobel Archer, a senior researcher at the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre, highlighted the alarming statistics regarding abuse faced by migrant workers in the Middle East. Since 2022, the organization has documented numerous cases of labor exploitation, revealing that the Gulf region, while only comprising six percent of the global population, accounts for a staggering one-third of reported cases. Of these, an overwhelming 94 percent originate from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, with Saudi Arabia at the forefront of this troubling trend. Archer pointed out that the kingdom is not just a participant in this issue but a significant contributor, with 82 of the region's 490 documented cases of exploitation arising from its borders. Reports of wage theft, illegal recruitment fees, verbal and physical abuse, and unsafe living conditions paint a grim picture of what many workers endure. These challenges pose a direct threat to the lives and livelihoods of those who will be tasked with building the infrastructure necessary for the World Cup, including facilities like the Aramco Stadium in Khobar and ambitious projects such as NEOM. “Companies seeking to cash in on a Saudi World Cup must be alert to these risks,” Archer stated, emphasizing the urgent need for transparency and accountability. She underscored that construction workers are particularly vulnerable, but others, such as cleaning and maintenance staff, will also be integral to the event and equally at risk of exploitation. The concern extends beyond the immediate workers to the broader implications of these abuses. A coalition of 21 human rights organizations, fans' representatives, and labor unions has condemned FIFA’s decision to award the World Cup to Saudi Arabia, labeling it “reckless” given the known exploitation of workers. Steve Cockburn from Amnesty International voiced strong criticism, asserting that FIFA is aware of the potential for worker exploitation and has chosen to proceed without mandating essential reforms to protect these vulnerable populations. Architects and industry professionals are also grappling with the ethical implications of engaging with Saudi Arabia. British architect Jeremy Till has publicly called for a boycott of the kingdom, arguing that any involvement in projects there implicitly endorses a regime that has been accused of severe human rights violations. This sentiment was echoed by Human Rights Watch, which criticized the Saudi government's record on freedom of expression, particularly in the context of hosting high-profile international events. In contrast, FIFA President Gianni Infantino remains optimistic, suggesting that hosting the World Cup in countries like Qatar and Saudi Arabia could act as a “unique catalyst for positive social change and unity.” Saudi officials have echoed this sentiment, claiming advancements in labor rights and compliance with FIFA's regulations, bolstered by a favorable technical assessment of their bid. As the 2034 World Cup looms on the horizon, the spotlight on worker rights in Saudi Arabia is unlikely to dim. With mounting pressure from human rights organizations and advocates, the international community is left to grapple with the implications of hosting a global event in a country where labor rights continue to be a significant concern. The hope remains that the potential economic benefits of the World Cup do not come at the expense of those who will be building its legacy, a narrative that must be addressed both now and in the years leading up to the tournament.