Written by SpringnewsNG Media Limited

June 5, 202 — A coalition of African trade unions representing 36 countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, and Senegal, has formally petitioned the International Labour Organization (ILO) to launch a high-level Commission of Inquiry into Saudi Arabia, alleging widespread abuse, forced labor, and systemic racism against African migrant workers.

The urgent call for investigation comes despite the ILO renewing a labor partnership with the Saudi government on the same day in Geneva. The new agreement aims to align Saudi labor practices with international standards, but union leaders argue that the reality on the ground tells a much darker story.

“Workers are being treated as disposable in Saudi Arabia. They leave alive and return in coffins,” said Joel Odigie, General Secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) – Africa. “The ILO must act now to protect African workers from abuse, exploitation, and even death.”

The formal complaint to the ILO accuses Saudi authorities of tolerating:

• Forced labor and wage theft
• Physical and sexual abuse
• Systemic racism against African workers
• Continued enforcement of the kafala system, which legally binds migrant workers to their employers and limits their freedom

These alleged violations are especially concerning as Saudi Arabia prepares to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, raising fears that abuses may worsen amid construction and service sector demands.

ILO Partnership with Saudi Arabia Criticized

Despite mounting criticism, ILO Director-General Gilbert Houngbo, a former prime minister of Togo, defended the organization’s engagement with Saudi Arabia, saying the renewed partnership reflects a joint commitment to “advancing labor protections and inclusive job markets.”

Saudi labor minister Ahmed Al Rajhi echoed that sentiment, calling the agreement a step toward a “fair and future-ready labor market.” The new pact includes:

• Deployment of young Saudi professionals in international labor projects
• Placement of Saudi officials at ILO headquarters in Geneva
• Plans to establish an occupational health and safety center in Riyadh

However, the ITUC and allied African unions remain unconvinced, warning that Saudi Arabia has made “no meaningful progress” in addressing worker rights and that the kafala system continues to grant employers near-total control over migrants’ lives.

ILO Under Pressure to Act

The ILO, which represents governments, employers, and workers globally, had already been reviewing a prior complaint filed in 2024 by the Building and Wood Workers’ International union. With the latest complaint, pressure is mounting on the organization to take decisive action and establish a full Commission of Inquiry, the highest-level probe available under its mandate.

“This is not just a labor rights issue; it’s a human rights crisis,” said one union representative involved in the filing.

As Saudi Arabia positions itself as a future hub for global events and international development, labor advocates say the world must hold the kingdom accountable for how it treats the very workers building its future.

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