Leading African trade unions have taken a bold step in addressing the human rights violations faced by African migrant workers in Saudi Arabia. In a historic move, they have submitted a formal complaint to the United Nations Working Group on Business and Human Rights, detailing the exploitation, abuse, and suffering that millions of African workers endure under the Kafala system. This submission is the result of a collaborative effort by trade union federations across Africa, aiming to hold both the Saudi government and employers accountable for their egregious treatment of migrant workers.
At the heart of the complaint is the notorious Kafala system, a visa sponsorship framework that has been widely criticized for creating an environment ripe for exploitation. Under this system, workers’ legal status is tied to their employer, leaving them vulnerable to various forms of abuse. With little to no control over their personal lives, migrant workers are often subjected to forced labor, wage theft, and psychological and physical mistreatment. The complaints highlight the tragic deaths of workers, many of whom lose their lives due to workplace accidents, untreated illnesses, or neglect.
The complaint was filed by the African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) alongside several other national trade unions. These include the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) in Kenya, the Federation of Somali Trade Unions (FESTU) in Somalia, the Confederation of Ethiopian Trade Unionists (CETU) in Ethiopia, and others from Uganda, Tanzania, Ghana, and Nigeria. Together, these unions represent millions of workers, making their collective voice a powerful force for advocating change.
The situation for African workers in Saudi Arabia is dire. Many experience unsafe working conditions, wage denial, and abusive treatment from their employers. Domestic workers, particularly women, are disproportionately affected, often subjected to long working hours, harassment, and sexual exploitation. These workers face extreme isolation, with their passports confiscated and their freedom of movement restricted. As a result, they have little recourse to address the violations of their rights, and those who attempt to escape are often detained in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions, even when they hold valid legal documentation.
The complaints emphasize the systemic failures within Saudi Arabia’s labor system, highlighting that the country has not enforced its own labor laws or protected workers’ basic rights. The trade unions argue that the abuses taking place under the Kafala system represent a direct violation of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, which mandate that states should protect human rights, and businesses must respect them. Saudi Arabia’s failure to regulate employers and provide effective remedies for workers is seen as a violation of these international norms.
The submission by ITUC-Africa and its affiliates demands several urgent actions. First, they call for the abolition of the Kafala system, which they argue perpetuates the cycle of abuse. Additionally, the unions seek stronger legal protections for migrant workers, along with the establishment of a compensation fund for victims and their families. They also advocate for an independent monitoring mechanism to ensure compliance with international human rights standards in Saudi labor practices.
The timing of the complaint is particularly significant, as Saudi Arabia is a contender for hosting the 2034 FIFA World Cup. The unions warn that without immediate reforms, the abuses faced by migrant workers could worsen as the country ramps up construction and infrastructure projects for the event. They stress that the international community must prioritize the dignity and rights of migrant workers, rather than allowing their suffering to be overlooked in favor of economic or political interests.
This landmark submission by African trade unions serves as a call for solidarity and action on a global scale. It highlights the urgency of addressing the exploitation of migrant workers and ensuring their rights are upheld. The unions’ efforts are a powerful reminder that human dignity should always come before profit, and that the lives and well-being of workers must be safeguarded at all costs. As the international community prepares to address these human rights violations, the hopes of millions of African workers depend on decisive action and lasting reform.
