Over 30 Global Unions Demand UN Investigation into Saudi Arabia’s Abuse of Migrant Workers
Together for Justice welcomes the complaint submitted by labour unions from 36 countries to the International Labour Organization (ILO), calling for an international commission of inquiry into Saudi Arabia’s ongoing abuse of migrant workers—especially as construction rapidly expands in preparation for the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
This move marks a critical step in holding a government accountable for exploiting millions of workers in large-scale projects built through forced labour, wage theft, fake contracts, and extreme working conditions. It brings renewed attention to the widespread violations human rights groups have documented for years.
At the same time, Together for Justice strongly condemns the ILO’s decision to sign a new cooperation agreement with the Saudi regime, despite its horrific record and complete ban on unions. Instead of demanding reform, the ILO has offered legitimacy to a system that confiscates passports, silences complaints, and allows abuse to continue unchecked. This agreement damages the ILO’s credibility and aligns it with repression, not justice.
Our organisation has repeatedly documented grave violations against migrant workers in Saudi Arabia: forced labour, unpaid wages, contract fraud, passport seizure, fatal heat exposure, and physical and sexual abuse—especially in construction and domestic work.
We applaud the unions who led this complaint despite Saudi efforts to silence criticism. Empty promises are no longer acceptable. What is needed now is real accountability and an end to international partnerships that help whitewash human rights violations.
We also criticise FIFA for supporting Saudi Arabia’s World Cup bid while ignoring the suffering of the workers building its stadiums. FIFA continues to speak about human rights while doing nothing to address the abuses happening under its watch.
Together for Justice affirms: no country that relies on modern-day slavery should be rewarded with the honour of hosting a global sports event.
