The spotlight is back on the Gulf region, with Saudi Arabia facing allegations reminiscent of Qatar’s 2022 World Cup controversies.
Reports of labor abuses on World Cup-related construction projects have emerged, casting a shadow over Saudi Arabia’s preparations to host the 2034 tournament.
According to Human Rights Watch, extensive investigations revealed severe mistreatment of migrant workers involved in major infrastructure projects tied to Saudi Arabia’s World Cup bid.
Based on 155 interviews, the NGO detailed abuses that include: exorbitant recruitment fees demanded from workers, unpaid wages, leaving many workers in financial distress, dangerous working conditions, including exposure to extreme heat without adequate safety measures, restrictions on mobility, preventing workers from changing jobs or leaving the country.
This HRW report differs from the astonishing report produced by FIFA on the host country of the 2034 World Cup.
