African trade unions have drawn attention to the serious human rights abuses faced by African migrant workers in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries.
They have filed formal complaints with the United Nations Working Group on Business and Human Rights, which was established in 2011 to oversee the implementation of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. Under the coordination of the African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation, the coalition of major trade unions has documented systematic human rights violations within Saudi Arabia’s kafala system. This restrictive visa sponsorship framework effectively tethers workers to their employers, facilitating widespread abuse through passport confiscation, restricted movement, and severe isolation from support networks.
The complaint represents an unprecedented collaboration among influential labour organizations across Africa, including national trade union federations from Kenya, Somalia, Ethiopia, Uganda, Tanzania, Ghana, and Nigeria. These organizations collectively advocate for millions of workers, lending substantial weight to their appeal for justice and reform. The documented abuses paint a disturbing picture of widespread exploitation, particularly affecting female domestic workers.
Workers routinely face excessive working hours, physical and psychological abuse, and sexual exploitation, often finding themselves trapped without access to legal protection. Many are confined in substandard detention facilities despite holding valid documentation, while others succumb to preventable workplace accidents, untreated medical conditions, and sustained mistreatment. These practices stand in direct violation of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, which establish clear obligations for states to protect human rights and ensure corporate compliance.
Saudi Arabia’s failure to establish adequate labour protections and provide meaningful recourse for victims represents a significant breach of these international standards, while employers consistently disregard their responsibilities toward worker welfare. The union coalition’s submission calls for comprehensive reforms, including the dismantling of the kafala system, enhanced legal protections for migrant workers, and the establishment of a victim compensation fund. They advocate for independent oversight mechanisms to monitor labour practices and ensure alignment with international human rights standards.
Concerns have also been raised about the potential impact of Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, with unions warning that without substantial reforms, the event could lead to increased worker exploitation. The submission emphasizes the urgent need to prioritize human rights over economic considerations.
