A coalition of African-led trade unions from 36 countries, including Ghana, Nigeria, and Senegal, has called on the International Labour Organization (ILO) to launch a Commission of Inquiry.
Its highest-level investigation, into Saudi Arabia’s treatment of migrant workers as the kingdom prepares to host the 2034 World Cup.
The demand coincides with the ILO’s signing of a renewed labor agreement with Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, highlighting a stark contrast in perspectives on the kingdom’s labor practices.
Allegations of Severe Worker Abuses
The trade unions, led by the Africa chapter of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), filed a formal complaint alleging widespread abuses against African migrant workers.
Especially workers in construction and domestic work.
The complaint cites evidence of forced labor, wage theft, physical and sexual abuse, and systemic racism, perpetuated by Saudi Arabia’s continued use of the kafala system.
This system ties workers to employers, severely limiting their freedom and enabling exploitation. “Workers are being treated as disposable in Saudi Arabia.
They leave alive and return in coffins,” said Joel Odigie, ITUC-Africa’s general secretary, urging immediate ILO action.
ILO’s Renewed Agreement with Saudi Arabia
On the same day in Geneva, ILO Director-General Gilbert Houngbo, a former Togolese prime minister, signed a renewed cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia’s government, represented by Minister Ahmed Al Rajhi.
Houngbo described the accord as a step toward aligning Saudi labor policies with international standards, including expanded protections for vulnerable workers and the establishment of an occupational health and safety center in Riyadh.
The agreement also involves sending young Saudi professionals to work with the ILO and stationing three government officials at its Geneva headquarters.
Criticism of Saudi Labor Practices
Despite the ILO’s optimism, the ITUC criticized Saudi Arabia for showing “no real intention” to address ongoing abuses, noting that a prior complaint by the Building and Wood Workers’ International union remains under investigation.
The kafala system, which grants employers near-total control over workers’ lives, continues to silence complaints and strip workers of dignity, according to the ITUC.
Posts on X reflect growing concern, with unions demanding stronger oversight to address persistent violations.
Implications for the 2034 World Cup
With Saudi Arabia set to host the 2034 World Cup, the spotlight on its labor practices intensifies.
The ITUC warned that without deep reforms, the kingdom risks repeating the labor abuses seen in previous global events.
Critics argue that the ILO’s agreement lacks enforceable measures to dismantle the kafala system or ensure accountability, raising doubts about its effectiveness.
Call for Action
The African-led trade unions’ push for a Commission of Inquiry underscores the urgency of addressing migrant worker exploitation.
As Saudi Arabia advances its labor market reforms, the international community watches closely to see if commitments translate into meaningful change for vulnerable workers.
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