An unsettling investigation has revealed that thousands of laborers lose their lives each year while working on Saudi Arabia’s visionary ‘megacity’ project, largely due to horrific working conditions and rampant human rights violations.
These findings highlight a troubling contrast to the Kingdom’s grand aspirations for a futuristic urban landscape.
Ambitious Plans and Costly Consequences
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is pouring trillions into transforming Saudi Arabia’s economy and global image through his ‘Vision 2030’ initiative, which aims to reduce the nation’s dependence on oil.
Central to this initiative is The Line, an astonishing car-free city intended to stretch over 100 miles across the desert, touted as a model for future urban living.
Despite the ambitious claims that The Line will redefine livability and sustainability, the reality on the ground tells a different story.
Recent statistics indicate that at least 21,000 migrant workers have died during the construction of projects related to Vision 2030 in the past eight years.
These shocking figures are part of a broader narrative of abuse and exploitation, which is further explored in the upcoming ITV documentary, Kingdom Uncovered: Inside Saudi Arabia, set to air this Sunday at 10:15 PM.
The Plight of Migrant Workers
The Kingdom relies heavily on migrant labor, with many individuals traveling to Saudi Arabia in search of better opportunities.
However, they often face brutal working conditions and meager pay.
Reports suggest that upon arrival, workers frequently have their passports confiscated, effectively trapping them in a situation they cannot escape.
While Saudi law mandates a 60-hour workweek, workers have reported routinely clocking in up to 16 hours a day, often without any days off.
One laborer involved in building a high-speed train tunnel revealed to ITV that it’s common to work 14 days straight without a break.
Other workers have reported weekly hours exceeding 84, significantly surpassing legal limits.
Testimonies of Abuse and Exploitation
Anonymous testimonies from these laborers paint a grim picture of their daily struggles.
One worker shared, “We’re made to work extremely hard. There is little time to rest. We get tired.
We suffer from anxiety day and night. Saudi doesn’t care much for citizens from other countries. We are treated like beggars.”
This sentiment was echoed by several others, highlighting a shared experience of fear and hardship.
The documentary includes rare footage showcasing the dire conditions at construction sites along The Line, where Saudi authorities tightly control media access.
This lack of transparency raises serious questions about the true nature of working conditions in the Kingdom.
A Broader Vision of Exploitation
The Line is just one aspect of a larger project called NEOM, which encompasses various ambitious developments, including a ski resort, extensive industrial areas, and luxury tourist islands—all overseen by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
NEOM is part of a series of mega-projects under Vision 2030, which includes the construction of new cities and the world’s tallest skyscraper.
A driver working on The Line shared his frustrations about long hours and inadequate rest, stating that drivers often go without sleep for extended periods, leading to numerous accidents.
“Last month alone, there were four or five serious incidents,” he noted.
The Impact of Tragedy on Workers’ Lives
The investigation also tells the heart-wrenching story of Raju Bishwakarma, a Nepali worker who died in Jeddah.
His family and colleagues alleged he was denied proper medical care by his employer, sparking protests against the company’s negligence.
These demonstrations are rare in Saudi Arabia, where dissent is heavily suppressed.
Despite the official explanation of Bishwakarma’s death being attributed to “cardiac and respiratory arrest for unknown reasons,” his father Bharat questioned the lack of an investigation, expressing disbelief that a patient could die without a clear diagnosis.
Unexplained Deaths and Desperation
Data from Nepal’s Foreign Employment Board indicates that about one-third of the 2,000 deaths of Nepali workers in the last eight years remain unexplained.
Other laborers in the Kingdom reported not being paid for ten months, relying on donated food to survive.
Living conditions for many are dire, with over 100 workers housed in a camp lacking electricity and water for most of the time.
“We feel trapped like slaves,” said one worker. “We’re desperate to see our wives and kids.”
Another worker shared a tragic account of being denied leave for a family wedding, illustrating the emotional toll of their circumstances.
The Risk of Speaking Out
Workers are understandably hesitant to speak out publicly, fearing repercussions.
One laborer recounted being jailed after voicing complaints about his treatment on social media.
“They said my tweet was not okay,” he explained. “I lost my phone, and they shut down my social media accounts.”
This culture of fear prevents many from sharing their experiences, further perpetuating the cycle of abuse.
Nicholas McGeehan, director of the human rights organization FairSquare, emphasized the egregious nature of these working conditions, which far exceed international labor standards.
“The reality is that workers all over Saudi Arabia are subject to deeply abusive and dangerous exploitation,” he stated.
Promises of Reform and Continuing Abuse
In 2021, the Saudi government claimed to have reformed labor laws to protect workers, yet the allegations presented in the documentary suggest that these reforms have not effectively addressed the systemic issues.
NEOM stated it is investigating the claims made in the program, emphasizing its commitment to adhering to international labor standards.
Despite the government’s assurances, McGeehan pointed out that many deaths of migrant workers are recorded as “natural causes” or “cardiac arrest,” failing to provide clarity on the true circumstances of their deaths.
He attributes these tragedies to a combination of factors, including extreme heat, poor living conditions, and lack of access to healthcare.
A Call for Justice
Nepali human rights lawyer Anurag Devkota expressed frustration over the plight of migrant workers, stating, “They leave their homes for a better future, but what we receive in return are dead bodies in wooden boxes.”
As Saudi Arabia prepares for more ambitious projects, including hosting the 2034 FIFA World Cup, the call for accountability and reform grows louder.
McGeehan criticized the prospect of awarding such a prestigious event to a country where serious human rights abuses are systemic, insisting it should not even be considered.
The Fight for Women’s Rights
Beyond the struggles of migrant workers, the ITV investigation sheds light on the ongoing battle for women’s rights in Saudi Arabia.
It features the first TV interview with Fawzia, the sister of Manahel Al-Otaibi, a fitness instructor who was imprisoned for over a decade for advocating for women’s rights on social media.
Fawzia shared how their calls for reform were met with threats from government officials, warning them to cease their activism.
Fawzia herself faced police intimidation after posting a video of herself dancing at a music festival, a situation she described as a gross mischaracterization of her actions.
Meanwhile, Manahel remained in Saudi Arabia, continuing her fight for women’s rights until her arrest in 2022.
A Heartbreaking Situation
Reports have surfaced that Manahel is facing severe conditions in prison, with her family alleging she has been starved and physically assaulted.
As they seek justice, the troubling realities of both migrant workers and women’s rights advocates in Saudi Arabia reveal a system in desperate need of reform.
Kingdom Uncovered: Inside Saudi Arabia is set to air on Sunday, October 27, at 10:15 PM on ITV, promising to bring further attention to these critical issues.
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