Context:

Human rights organizations have raised serious concerns about a significant increase in deaths among migrant construction workers in Saudi Arabia, which is preparing to host the 2034 World Cup. These deaths are often misclassified as natural causes, depriving families of compensation, and calls for improved safety measures have intensified. FIFA, while claiming commitment to human rights, faces accusations of failing to learn from past mistakes related to the Qatar World Cup and is under pressure to ensure worker safety. The harsh working conditions, exacerbated by extreme heat and inadequate oversight, are highlighted as major issues. Despite the Saudi government's claims of reforms and improvements in occupational safety, skepticism remains regarding the efficacy and implementation of these measures.

Dive Deeper:

• Human Rights Watch and FairSquare have reported a surge in deaths among migrant workers in Saudi Arabia, many resulting from preventable workplace accidents, as the nation prepares for the 2034 World Cup.

• Numerous deaths are incorrectly labeled as natural causes, leaving the families of deceased workers uncompensated, and calls have been made for the Saudi authorities to ensure basic safety protections for the migrant workforce.

• Migrant workers, primarily from Bangladesh, India, and Nepal, face severe risks, including falls from heights, machinery accidents, and electrocution, with extreme heat further exacerbating the dangers as construction projects accelerate.

• Despite FIFA's stated commitment to human rights, it is criticized for not addressing the issues adequately, drawing parallels with the 2022 Qatar World Cup, and has been urged to implement a comprehensive workers' welfare system.

• The Saudi government claims progress in improving workplace safety, but organizations like the BWI highlight continued negligence and lack of accountability, citing the absence of proper autopsies and investigations into the causes of deaths.

• FairSquare underscores the plight of thousands of migrant workers subjected to a hazardous labor system, a deficient medical framework incapable of determining death causes, and a political environment that fails to protect and compensate affected families.

• The global community is urged to hold Saudi authorities and FIFA accountable to ensure migrant worker deaths are thoroughly investigated and that bereaved families receive just and timely compensation.