World Cup: Saudi Arabia accused of massive labor rights abuses

Saudi Arabia, a potential host of the 2034 World Cup, is using force against migrant workers and violating labor rights on a massive scale. A trade union called Building and Wood Workers International has submitted a comprehensive complaint to the International Labor Organization (ILO).

The organization said migrant workers in Saudi Arabia are not getting wages, their passports are being confiscated, illegal recruitment fees are being collected from them. As a result, they are trapped in debt. In addition, workers are subjected to violations of labor rights, including obstacles to change jobs freely.

According to the Building and Wood Workers International (BWI) trade union, rights violations are at “epidemic” levels. They have evidence of forced labour.

'Saudi Arabia, where trade unions are banned, blatantly ignores international labor standards and has failed to compensate migrant workers who have been abused for more than a decade,' said BWI general secretary Ambet Yuson.

The trade union claims that they represent one crore two million workers. The organization called on the International Labor Organization to investigate allegations of labor rights violations against Saudi Arabia.

Last year it became clear that Saudi Arabia is going to host the World Cup in 2034. Saudi Arabia was the only candidate to host the tournament after Saudi Arabia's rival Australia withdrew its bid to host the World Cup. The country will officially start the 'bid' process to host the World Cup next July.