BlogHear.com | 13 May 2025
RIYADH — Human rights groups are raising urgent concerns over a “surge” in preventable deaths among migrant construction workers in Saudi Arabia, as the country accelerates infrastructure development for the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
Two reports, released today by Human Rights Watch (HRW) and FairSquare, allege that many worker deaths have been misclassified as resulting from natural causes, leaving families without compensation or official accountability.
The warnings coincide with Saudi Arabia’s ambitious World Cup preparations, which include the construction of 11 new stadiums, a rail and transit network, and over 185,000 hotel rooms.
“The 2034 Saudi World Cup will be the largest and most expensive ever, but it could also have the highest cost in human lives,” said Minky Worden, Director of Global Initiatives at Human Rights Watch.
Heat, Safety Risks, and Lack of Oversight
The reports document unsafe working conditions, a lack of proper medical investigations, and limited legal protections for the millions of foreign workers, many from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Pakistan. HRW interviewed families of 31 migrant workers who reportedly died due to falls from heights, crushing injuries, electrocution, or heat-related causes.
In March, the first reported World Cup-related death occurred when Muhammad Arshad, a Pakistani foreman, fell from a construction site in Al Khobar.
FairSquare co-director James Lynch said Saudi Arabia’s labor system places workers at serious risk while denying families closure or justice.
“Saudi’s political system doesn’t appear to protect these workers, investigate their deaths, or compensate their families,” Lynch stated.
FIFA’s Response and Growing Criticism
Following recent criticism over worker conditions during the Qatar 2022 World Cup, FIFA said it plans to implement a dedicated worker welfare system for Saudi Arabia, with mandatory standards and enforcement mechanisms.
In a letter to Human Rights Watch, FIFA stated:
“We are convinced that the measures implemented on FIFA World Cup sites can set a new standard for worker protection… and contribute to wider labour reform.”
However, HRW criticized FIFA’s approach, citing a lack of detail on the proposed system and calling the governing body’s human rights commitments insufficient.
Broader Political Context
The release of these reports follows FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s visit to Saudi Arabia alongside former U.S. President Donald Trump, where both attended a U.S.-Saudi investment forum.
Meanwhile, Saudi authorities insist they have made “tangible achievements” in occupational health and safety and noted a decline in death and injury rates. FIFA also praised Saudi labor reforms since 2018.
But the Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI) union described an “alarming rise” in workplace accidents, accusing employers of systemic negligence, corruption, and insufficient oversight.
“These deaths are avoidable. Without accountability and enforcement, worker lives remain expendable,” said BWI General Secretary Ambet Yuson.
Autopsies are rarely conducted to determine precise causes of death, further obscuring the real toll, FairSquare added.
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