The rising death of migrants in Saudi Arabia has led to concern. According to multiple sources including the British Broadcasting Corporation and Cable News Network, the death of thousands of migrants has increased in Saudi Arabia. Migrant workers from different countries including Bangladesh, India and Nepal are died more in Saudi Arabia where millions of people migrate every year for jobs in different sectors. While many go to Saudi Arabia legally, many others migrate there illegally. But the rising deaths of migrants in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have been criticized by different countries and organizations.
Various reasons are responsible for the rise in the deaths of migrants in Saudi Arabia. Exploitative work conditions, the inherent vulnerabilities of the migrant population due to their illegal status and the lack of adequate medical treatments especially when migrants are the victims of their employers are vital reasons for migrant deaths. The employers of many migrant workers exploit illegal status and keep them in vulnerable situations — increasing the chance of harmful effects including deaths — in Saudi Arabia. But the construction of Saudi Arabia’s ‘The Line’ as part of the kingdom’s futuristic megacity NEOM and the construction projects carried out for hosting the World Cup Football 2034 have increased the death in recent years. Preventable workplace accidents have increased after these two mega initiatives. Among others, the government’s indifference is also responsible for the deaths of migrants.
Hopefully saying, various steps of the government have been playing a protective role, even if there is a rise, at least somewhat. The government of Saudi Arabia has strengthened its monitoring efforts to ensure safety measures during construction works, provides better access to healthcare services to migrant workers and has increased its oversight of recruitment agencies to address illegal migration that increase the vulnerability. Among others, the government has also established a dedicated hotline for workers to report any instances of abuse or exploitation, further ensuring their safety and well-being. But given the scale of deaths of migrant workers in Saudi Arabia, the steps to address the problem if such deaths are rather negligible.
Photo credit: https://www.mid-day.com/.
But there are also flaws in the steps of the government, leading to the limited outcomes. There is a lack of steps to adequately ensure safety measures during construction activities, inadequate enforcement of labor laws and a lack of proper monitoring of working conditions. Additionally, there is inadequate investigation of deaths of migrant workers and a denial of deaths by the authority, leading to misclassification and under recording of deaths. Pertinently saying, the large majority of deaths of workers were attributed to “natural causes.” Among the others, there is also a lack of government steps to bring those responsible to justice.
It is desired that the reasons for the rise in migrants death be addressed. For this, a multi-prong approach with measures including strengthening safety regulations, improving working conditions and ensuring access to justice is vital and will be helpful — effectively. The emphasis on improved monitoring will help enforce safety measures and reduce the number of migrant deaths in Saudi Arabia. Providing grievance mechanisms and improving awareness will also be helpful in preventing the deaths of migrant workers in Saudi Arabia.
Improved collaboration with international organizations and migrant worker organizations is vital and will be greatly helpful. But the seriousness of the Saudi government which is often absent, even if there is criticism, is crucial to addressing the problem of migrant deaths. Amongst the others, the repatriation of dead bodies and providing financial assistance to families in response to accidental deaths are also notable steps.
Amir M Sayem
Chief Editor
Dhaka Opinion Magazine
