Delayed Justice: The Case of Mohammad Arshad and Migrant Worker Fatalities in Saudi Arabia

On March 12, 2025, Mohammad Arshad, a migrant worker from Pakistan, fell to his death while working on the construction of the Aramco Stadium in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia, as part of the preparations for the 2034 FIFA World Cup. Arshad's fatal accident occurred when a high platform he was working on tilted unexpectedly, causing him to fall unprotected to the ground. He later succumbed to his injuries in the hospital, leaving behind a wife and three young sons. His death marked the first known fatality linked to the World Cup construction efforts, raising concerns about the safety of migrant workers in the region.

The Guardian

Following Arshad's death, Besix, the Belgian construction multinational responsible for the stadium, pledged to ensure that all end-of-service and insurance payments would be processed "in a timely and respectful manner." However, nearly a year later, Arshad’s family has yet to receive the compensation they are entitled to, which could amount to approximately £63,250, along with his outstanding salary and end-of-service benefits. The only financial support the family has received came from a voluntary donation by Arshad’s co-workers, matched by Besix.

The Guardian

The delay in compensation highlights the bureaucratic challenges faced by families of migrant workers who die in Saudi Arabia. James Lynch, a director at the human rights organization FairSquare, emphasized that Arshad's case is indicative of the broader struggles many families encounter when trying to secure legally owed compensation after workplace accidents. Lynch criticized FIFA for awarding the World Cup to Saudi Arabia without a thorough human rights assessment, stating that the organization bears responsibility for the construction projects associated with the tournament.

The Guardian

Human rights groups have raised alarms about the potential for numerous unexplained migrant worker deaths linked to the World Cup and other large-scale construction projects in Saudi Arabia. Lynch urged FIFA to take a more active role in advocating for compensation for the families of deceased workers, asserting that the organization cannot evade its obligations given the scale of the construction program it has endorsed.

The Guardian

The case of Mohammad Arshad underscores the urgent need for accountability and reform in the treatment of migrant workers in Saudi Arabia. As families navigate complex bureaucratic processes to claim compensation, the international community and organizations like FIFA are called upon to ensure that the rights and welfare of these workers are prioritized, preventing further tragedies in the future.

The Guardian