FIFA World Cup 2034: Saudi Arabia’s challenge in ensuring workers’ rights is also its opportunity

Saudi Arabia will need a large migrant workforce, which will be sourced mainly from South Asian countries like Bangladesh, India, and Nepal. Photo: Reuters

Saudi Arabia's vision 2030 includes: a vibrant society, a thriving economy, and an ambitious nation. As the country prepares to host the FIFA World Cup 2034, it faces both an opportunity and a challenge to advance toward that vision.

A large workforce is needed for such a massive infrastructure project, which always carries risks of worker rights violations, including safety and fair treatment concerns.

Qatar faced a similar challenge, where The Guardian revealed that 6,500 workers lost their lives in the lead-up to the 2022 World Cup, largely due to harsh working conditions. Many of the victims were migrant workers from Bangladesh and other South Asian countries.

The question now rises: Will Saudi Arabia learn from Qatar's mistakes and ensure history does not repeat itself?

Qatar spent over $220 billion to prepare for the 2022 World Cup, transforming its infrastructure and skyline, but faced global criticism for the methods used.

For the 2034 World Cup, Saudi Arabia is expected to make significant investments in modern stadiums, transit, housing, and hospitality. The magnitude of the World Cup poses particular difficulties, even though the nation has already shown through its Vision 2030 plan that it is capable of completing such large-scale projects. 

To protect its people, the Bangladesh government should make agreements that ensure citizens have legal protections, safe working conditions, and fair pay. Additionally, workers should be informed about their rights, workplace safety, and how to report abuse to better navigate international labour markets.

To achieve its goals, Saudi Arabia will need a large migrant workforce, which will be sourced mainly from South Asian countries like Bangladesh, India, and Nepal. However, if strict measures are not taken to ensure worker safety, fair pay, and decent treatment, there is a high risk of repeating Qatar's mistakes.

Human rights groups and the global media highlighted the terrible working conditions suffered by migrant workers in the years preceding Qatar's World Cup. The most frequent complaints included subpar housing conditions, hard workdays in intense heat, poor safety regulations, and unpaid or delayed wages. Reportedly, many workers were afraid of reprisals and hence unable to voice their concerns or obtain appropriate healthcare. 
Eventually, in response, Qatar implemented some changes, but these reforms were a bit too late. Therefore, by addressing these challenges from the start, Saudi Arabia has a unique opportunity to lead in ethical labour standards.

To ensure the protection of workers' rights, Saudi Arabia must commit to creating a transparent and enforceable framework for labour relations. Strict laws should be implemented in the country to establish a minimum wage that accounts for the cost of living and make sure that payments are made on time. 

By monitoring and enforcing compliance, a centralised wage protection system may guarantee that employees get paid on time. Construction workers are particularly vulnerable to heatstroke and dehydration in harsh climates. 

Saudi Arabia must impose regulations regarding protective gear, rest periods, and hydration. Wearable heat sensors and other technologies could be used to track employees' health in real time. A large number of workers in Qatar were kept in filthy, cramped quarters. Appropriate housing facilities with access to basic services, clean water, and appropriate ventilation should be provided by Saudi Arabia. 

Furthermore, in the event of a dispute, migrant workers must have access to legal support. It will be crucial to set up independent labour courts and guarantee that employees may file complaints without worrying about reprisals.

Another top priority should be the safety on construction sites. All employees must be required to complete extensive training programmes to ensure they are prepared to meet the demands of their positions. Heat-related disorders are a serious concern in Saudi Arabia, where temperatures regularly surpass 45°C (113°F). Employers are required to provide shaded rest spaces and plan outside work for cooler hours.

Alongside that, construction sites should have on-spot medical personnel prepared to manage emergencies. All employees should have insurance that pays out in the event of an accident or death.

For years, Bangladesh has been a key source of labour for Gulf countries. A large portion of the workforce Saudi Arabia hires for World Cup projects will likely come from Bangladesh.

To protect its people, the Bangladesh government should make agreements that ensure citizens have legal protections, safe working conditions, and fair pay. Additionally, workers should be informed about their rights, workplace safety, and how to report abuse to better navigate international labour markets.

One way to ensure accountability is by sending labour attachés to Saudi Arabia to monitor worker welfare and resolve disputes.

FIFA, as the governing body of world football, must be responsible for enforcing labour laws in host countries. Independent monitoring groups should have access to construction sites and worker housing to report conditions objectively. Human rights organisations can also apply pressure by highlighting violations and raising awareness.

The media will play a key role in holding Saudi Arabia accountable, keeping the human cost of the World Cup in global discussions. By prioritising worker rights, safety, and fair pay, the country can set an example for the Gulf in maintaining ethical standards. 

More than a sporting event, hosting the World Cup is a global statement. Saudi Arabia will save lives and leave a legacy of moral advancement and world leadership if it takes the required actions to protect its employees. The world is watching as the journey to 2034 gets underway. 

Sketch: TBS

Md Parvez Alam is a Senior Officer (IT and Communications) at the Refugee and Migratory Movements Research Unit (RMMRU) of the University of Dhaka.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of The Business Standard.