Migrant laborers from various countries including Bangladesh, India, and Nepal have suffered avoidable deaths while working in Saudi Arabia, according to a report released Wednesday by Human Rights Watch.
The advocacy organization, alongside another rights group, FairSquare, published separate investigations highlighting fatal workplace incidents and work-related health issues affecting foreign laborers. The groups say these deaths stem from causes including electrocution, road accidents, and falls, and argue they could have been prevented.
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Both reports allege Saudi authorities routinely misclassify the causes of death and fail to carry out proper investigations. This, they say, deprives bereaved families of the compensation they are due and leaves them without answers about how their loved ones died.
The investigations come as Saudi Arabia advances massive infrastructure projects linked to its Vision 2030 initiative and preparations for hosting the 2034 men’s soccer World Cup, as well as building the high-profile Neom city. Rights advocates warn that more migrant worker deaths could follow unless protective measures are implemented.
Human Rights Watch cited the case of a Bangladeshi worker who was electrocuted while on the job. According to the organization, the employer refused to release the body, telling the family they would only be compensated if they accepted a local burial.
In another case, a family reportedly waited nearly 15 years before receiving compensation from the Saudi government.
“It’s very urgent that the Saudi authorities and FIFA put in place basic labor rights protections,” said Minky Worden, director of global initiatives at Human Rights Watch.
Saudi officials did not respond to a request for comment on the report.
FairSquare’s investigation focused on the deaths of 17 Nepali contractors in Saudi Arabia over the past 18 months. The group warned that in the absence of transparency and accountability, “thousands of unexplained deaths” among low-paid foreign workers are likely.
Saudi Arabia has long faced scrutiny over labor rights violations and wage theft, particularly in connection with Vision 2030 — its wide-ranging economic diversification plan.
FIFA, in a statement shared with the AP, referred to a letter it sent to Human Rights Watch last month defending Saudi Arabia's selection as host of the 2034 World Cup. The letter pointed to the kingdom’s pledges to implement a workers’ welfare system and bolster labor protections in collaboration with the International Labor Organization.
Saudi Arabia is not alone in facing criticism over treatment of migrant workers ahead of major sporting events. Similar accusations were leveled against Qatar prior to the 2022 World Cup, with rights groups citing thousands of unexplained deaths among foreign laborers there as well.
Worden warned that the situation in Saudi Arabia could be even more severe, as the 2034 tournament is expected to involve more teams and therefore require greater construction of stadiums and infrastructure.