Saudi Vision 2030: Over 21,000 migrant worker deaths reported

In eight years since the initiation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s ‘Saudi Vision 2030’, over 21,000 workers have reportedly died, raising severe concerns over unpaid wages, illegal working hours, and human rights abuses. Many workers describe their conditions as akin to being “trapped slaves” or “beggars.” A new documentary, “Kingdom Uncovered: Inside Saudi Arabia,” features these troubling accounts, highlighting the perilous conditions workers endure while constructing some of the world’s priciest infrastructure.

Led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia aims to transform into a global tourism destination, investing heavily in the ‘Saudi Vision 2030’ project. This ambitious initiative includes Neom, a futuristic city with innovative designs like The Line. Despite these grand plans, human rights organisations voice concerns over the exploitation of migrant labourers and potential displacement of locals.

Reports suggest that up to 100,000 migrant workers have vanished during Neom’s construction. New ITV figures reveal that 21,000 foreign workers from countries including India, Bangladesh, and Nepal have died since the project’s inception. Nepal’s foreign employment board notes that over 650 Nepali worker deaths remain unexplained.

وفاة 21.000 عامل مهاجر في مشاريع رؤية 2030.. وثائقي صادم يوثق جحيم العمّال في ظل انتهاكات الحكومة السعودية وتستّرها.. شاهد التفاصيل👇 pic.twitter.com/Awpzr2pv6t

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— بلادنا على وين؟ (@wain2030) October 26, 2024

Undercover journalist Noura, in the documentary, interviews workers at The Line, a 100-mile car-free city in the Saudi desert. One worker shared that he often works 16-hour days, totalling over 84 hours a week, far exceeding Saudi Arabia’s legal limit of 60 hours. He expressed feeling exhausted and anxious, likening their treatment to beggars.

Nicholas McGeehan from FairSquare remarks that these excessive working hours indicate severe worker abuse in Saudi Arabia. Local workers echoed these sentiments, feeling like “trapped slaves.” Noura discovered many workers hadn’t been paid for months, some waiting as long as ten months. Workers also reported insufficient food and restrictions on leaving Saudi Arabia to visit families. A driver mentioned frequent fatigue-induced accidents, with nearly five crashes monthly.

Neom responded, stating they are investigating the claims and expect contractors to adhere to Saudi laws and international labour standards. The documentary illustrates how long hours, insufficient food, lack of sleep, and stress contribute to significant health issues.

A Nepali worker, Raju Bishwakarma, pleaded for rescue, but was later found dead in his room after being informed he could leave by paying a fine equivalent to five months’ salary. His death sparked protests among workers over the poor conditions. Nepali human rights lawyer Anurag Devkota lamented, “Migrant workers come here seeking a better future for their families, but instead, we receive dead bodies in wooden boxes.”