Saudi Arabia Faces Scrutiny at ILO Over Migrant Worker Abuse Allegations
GENEVA – Saudi Arabia is attempting to dismiss a formal complaint filed by African trade unions alleging widespread abuses of migrant workers, as the International Labour Organization (ILO) prepares to discuss the matter at its 356th Session of the Governing Body, beginning March 23rd and running through April 2nd.
The complaint, lodged under Article 26 of the ILO Constitution, details allegations of forced labour, wage theft, physical and sexual abuse, and systemic racism targeting migrant workers, particularly those from African nations. Reports include instances of workers being locked in homes, forced to work excessively long hours – up to 18 to 20 per day – and denied basic necessities like wages, healthcare, and rest.
Amnesty International, a signatory to a joint statement with other human rights groups, is urging ILO Governing Body members to reject Saudi Arabia’s efforts to have the complaint dismissed. Steve Cockburn, Head of Economic and Social Justice at Amnesty International, stated that despite recent legal reforms, the country’s kafala sponsorship system remains a significant risk factor for abuse.
“The Saudi Arabian government is actively seeking to have this ILO Complaint buried,” Cockburn said. “The ILO should continue to scrutinize the case until there is clear evidence that the reforms are genuinely improving migrant workers’ lives.”
The complaint echoes concerns raised by numerous organizations, including Amnesty International, which have documented similar abuses. Workers continue to face illegal recruitment fees, deceptive recruitment practices, and wage theft, according to Amnesty International. Domestic workers are particularly vulnerable, facing confinement, extreme overwork, and physical or sexual abuse, often without the protections afforded to other workers.
Saudi Arabia responded to the complaint in January, requesting its dismissal. The government maintains it has ratified core ILO human rights conventions guaranteeing protection against forced labour, discrimination, and ensuring fair working conditions. However, critics argue that implementation of these conventions remains insufficient.
The ILO Governing Body’s consideration of this complaint underscores the ongoing international focus on labour rights and the challenges faced by migrant workers globally. The outcome of this session could have significant implications for the protection of vulnerable workers in Saudi Arabia and beyond.
