A coalition of African trade unions representing 36 countries—including Ghana, Nigeria, and Senegal—has formally requested that the International Labour Organization (ILO) launch a Commission of Inquiry, its most serious investigative mechanism, into Saudi Arabia over allegations of widespread labor rights abuses. The move comes as the Gulf state prepares to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
The unions cite extensive documentation of forced labor, wage theft, physical and sexual abuse, and systemic racism against African migrant workers in Saudi Arabia, particularly under the controversial kafala system. This system legally binds foreign workers to their employers, often leaving them vulnerable to exploitation, especially in domestic and construction sectors.
“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 (Africa chapter). “The ILO must act.” Ironically, on the same day the complaint was submitted in Geneva, the ILO signed a renewed cooperation agreement with the Saudi government. ILO Director-General Gilbert Houngbo described the partnership as a step toward “advancing labor policies aligned with international standards.”
Saudi labor minister Ahmed Al Rajhi welcomed the accord, claiming it underscores the kingdom’s commitment to a “fair, inclusive, and future-ready labor market.” The agreement includes Saudi postings to the ILO headquarters and international development placements for Saudi youth. Despite this public diplomacy, critics argue that Saudi Arabia has shown little progress on reform. A previous complaint submitted by the Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI) remains under review, with no significant policy changes evident.
The ILO has not yet confirmed whether it will initiate a Commission of Inquiry, which has only been used 14 times in the organization’s 105-year history. Such action would mark a significant escalation and could have diplomatic repercussions for Riyadh, especially ahead of the high-profile global tournament in 2034.
ILO chief Houngbo stated the organization is also working with the Saudis on establishing a new occupational health and safety center in Riyadh but downplayed urgency, saying, “I am not too much worried on [Saudi issues] in 2025,” and pointed instead to 2030 as a benchmark year for reforms.
