…warns abuses may persist ahead of 2034 World Cup
By Michael Oche
The African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) has issued a strong call for urgent action to end the rising cases of abuse, exploitation, and deaths of African migrant workers in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states.
ITUC-Africa General Secretary, Akhator Joel Odigie made the call in a statement issued in Lome, the headquarters of the regional organisation.
The workers organisation expressed deep concern over what it described as a worsening crisis of labour rights abuses against African workers, particularly domestic workers in Saudi Arabia.
A recent report revealed that at least 274 Kenyan workers have died in Saudi Arabia over the past five years, with many more unreported cases involving Ugandan, Ghanaian, and Nigerian workers.
Many of these deaths have been linked to severe abuse, forced labour, unpaid wages, starvation, and physical violence, including torture.
Odigie said it is beyond comprehension and unacceptable that Africans who went to Saudi Arabia to work and earn a decent living, coming back home in coffins and bereavement to hundreds of families must stop.
“Even more chilling are the cases where our fellow Africans return home in coffins, with autopsy reports revealing clear signs of torture—burns, electric shocks, broken bones—only for their deaths to be falsely classified as ‘natural causes,’ he said.
The ITUC-Africa scribe stated that these tragedies expose a systemic pattern of exploitation and impunity that demands immediate and decisive intervention.
He raised concerns over the growing number of Bilateral Labour Migration Agreements (BLMAs) between African governments and Saudi Arabia, arguing that these agreements lack sufficient protections for migrant workers.
ITUC-Africa said it is concerned that the abuse, exploitation, and deaths of African migrant workers may continue, especially as Saudi Arabia prepares to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
The statement reads in part, “preparation for the world cup would require a large number of migrant workers to complete them. We are already seeing a rise in the number of BLMAs that Saudi Arabia is signing with African governments. We are concerned that these agreements lack sufficient rights protection mechanisms, do not have adequate monitoring mechanisms, and are heavily influenced by demand-side interests. More African migrant workers need not continue to die.”
The organization urged Saudi Arabia and all GCC states to take full responsibility for protecting all migrant workers within their borders, ensuring safe working conditions, fair treatment, and justice for those who have suffered abuse.
The statement reads further, “No more cover ups. No more impunity. Those responsible for the exploitation and deaths of African workers must be held accountable in Saudi Arabia and anywhere they occur,
“Furthermore, African governments must end their complicity in this crisis. Mere statements of concern are insufficient. We call on them to: Renegotiate or revoke exploitative labour agreements that fail to protect their citizens; Provide awareness, education, and training for potential migrant workers on how to ensure their safety and how to seek help when in difficulty, including life-threatening situations.”
Furthermore, it urged that “toll free call lines should be made available at the point of departure and in the countries of destination/host countries; Implement stricter regulations on recruitment agencies to prevent trafficking and labour exploitation; provide comprehensive legal, consular, industrial relations and diplomatic support for their citizens facing abuse abroad; Strengthen trade union partnerships and worker protection mechanisms to monitor, report, and prevent further violations.”
