Saudi Arabia (Washington Insider Magazine)—Migrant workers in Saudi Arabia, particularly from the Philippines, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, continue to face uncertainty regarding the repayment of their long overdue wages. Despite recent announcements from construction companies in liquidation, including Saudi Oger and Mohammad Al-Mojil Group (MMG), significant gaps in the repayment system leave many workers at risk of not receiving what they are owed.
In 2016, a downturn in Saudi Arabia’s economy led to massive wage theft, with companies failing to pay migrant workers for months or even years. Saudi Oger is reported to owe an estimated SAR 2.6 billion ($693 million) in unpaid wages. Since late 2023, trustees for these companies began a repayment process, but many workers are still uncertain about the distribution of funds.
Human Rights Watch conducted interviews with 27 former workers from various countries, revealing workers were owed sums as high as SAR 80,000 ($21,333) in unpaid wages and benefits. Many workers are still awaiting payment, with some unable to even register for compensation due to missing paperwork or incorrect details in the official lists.
While some workers have successfully cashed checks, others face challenges such as delays and issues with local banks. The situation has caused severe financial and emotional strain for many, with workers relying on loans or embassy support during their period of unpaid labor.
Migrant workers’ plight has been central to diplomatic talks between Saudi Arabia and countries like the Philippines, but gaps in the repayment program and widespread wage theft persist. Human Rights Watch urges Saudi authorities to address these issues urgently, especially as the country prepares for upcoming mega-events that will depend heavily on migrant labor.
This case highlights the ongoing risks for migrant workers in Saudi Arabia, who often return home without receiving the wages they earned, despite labor reforms introduced by the government. The situation remains a significant human rights concern, requiring swift action from both Saudi authorities and the workers’ home countries.