Unpaid Wages and Labor Abuses: The Plight of Migrant Workers in Saudi Arabia

Hundreds of migrant workers in Saudi Arabia employed by Sendan International, a manufacturing and supply company, have reported not receiving their salaries for up to eight months. This situation has affected workers on project sites for the state-owned oil company, Aramco, amidst a significant construction boom in the country, including preparations for the FIFA 2034 World Cup. Human Rights Watch (HRW) has highlighted these abuses, emphasizing the lack of effective protections for migrant workers in Saudi Arabia.

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Migrant workers, primarily from Bangladesh, India, and Nepal, have faced severe challenges, including being forced into undocumented status or returning home at their own expense without their owed wages. HRW's investigation revealed that at least 850 workers have claimed unpaid wages, with the actual number potentially higher. The organization noted that Sendan International may have ceased operations in December 2024, yet workers continued to labor until March 2025 without pay.

Human Rights Watch

Michael Page, deputy Middle East director at HRW, criticized the failure of Sendan International, Aramco, and Saudi authorities to ensure that workers receive their wages. He warned that the ongoing labor abuses could tarnish the reputations of FIFA and other companies operating in Saudi Arabia unless they demand genuine labor protections.

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While Saudi Arabia's Human Resources and Social Development Ministry acknowledged the case of unpaid wages and outlined wage protection measures, it did not provide specific figures regarding the number of affected workers or claims resolved. HRW found that many workers had not filed claims for compensation due to fears of affecting their employment status or facing deportation. The Al-Etihad Cooperative Insurance Company, responsible for compensating unpaid workers, has begun collecting information but has not confirmed any compensations.

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The situation underscores the broader issue of wage theft against migrant workers in Saudi Arabia, which remains one of the most widespread abuses in the country. Despite the introduction of a wage insurance service in October 2024, the eligibility criteria are limited, leaving many workers without recourse. The plight of these workers raises concerns about the ethical implications of international companies operating in Saudi Arabia, particularly in light of the country's ambitious economic diversification plans under Vision 2030.

Human Rights Watch

There are discrepancies regarding the number of workers affected and the status of claims filed. While HRW reported at least 850 workers claiming unpaid wages, the Saudi government has not provided clear statistics on the total number of claims submitted or resolved. Additionally, the effectiveness of the wage insurance service remains uncertain, with many workers hesitant to apply due to fears of repercussions.

Human Rights Watch

• “The failure of Sendan International, Aramco, and Saudi authorities to ensure migrant workers receive their wages is only one recent example of the impunity for Saudi businesses that enables them to mistreat workers,” — Michael Page, Deputy Middle East Director, Human Rights Watch.

Human Rights Watch

• “Until eight months ago, I used to send home INR 30,000 [about US$340] every month,” — Anonymous Indian Worker.

Human Rights Watch

• “I’m constantly afraid that if the police catch me, they will deport me.” — Anonymous Former Sendan Worker.

Human Rights Watch

The ongoing situation has prompted calls for greater accountability from both Saudi authorities and international companies involved in the construction projects. Human Rights Watch continues to advocate for improved labor protections for migrant workers, urging FIFA and other organizations to take a stand against labor abuses in Saudi Arabia.

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