Migrant Workers in Gulf States – OKUP (supported by CAFOD) submission to IDC Call for Evidence

The IDC should hold an inquiry to investigate the plight of migrant workers travelling to Gulf states, where there are serious human and labour rights abuses. The UK Government holds relationships with many stakeholders in this labour system, from financing organisations like OKUP (in Bangladesh) who support migrant workers to uphold their rights, to engaging with British companies contracted to complete work like construction in such countries, to diplomatic relations with Gulf states[1] – there are many entry points of engagement.

Such an investigation would be timely as FIFA will announce the decision of which country will host the 2034 World Cup Finals on 11th December. With just one bidder in a hotly criticised process, it is expected Saudi Arabia will be granted the hosting responsibilities[2]. FIFA’s evaluation of Saudi Arabia’s bid (November 2024) awarded the joint-highest score of any bidding nation, with a “medium” human rights risk[3], whilst also releasing (11 months after submission) a report on the legacy of the Qatar 2022 World Cup, that rejected its own sub committee’s recommendation for compensation for migrant workers negatively impacted by the tournament – including “deaths, injuries and illness”[4]. 6,500 migrant workers from Asian countries died in Qatar in the run up to the 2022 World Cup; it seems the same violations are set to be repeated.[5]

Part of Saudi Arabia hosting bid is the construction of 11 new stadia (8 planned, 3 begun), the refurbishment of 4 existing stadia, and an increase in hotel accommodation.[6] Such large-scale construction will require more migrant workers. In 2022, 1,502 Bangladeshis died in Saudi Arabia, a rate of more than 4 per day – whilst there is a high population of Bangladeshi migrant workers in Saudi Arabia, over three quarters of these deaths were listed as “natural” at an average age of 44 (life expectancy for men in Bangladesh is 71)[7]. A lack of transparency in investigating such deaths adds to questions around rights violations of migrant workers, demand for which is set to increase over the coming decade.

There are many drivers to migration and a remittance economy that is prevalent with Bangladeshi citizens, including climate change driving people away from homes and agriculture, to seek other forms of income. Reviewing migration through a development lens via an inquiry would be valuable for the FCDO.

The England football team will seek qualification for the 2034 World Cup and therefore be tainted by these abuses, along with UK businesses expected to engage in construction or hospitality. The UK is seeking a Free Trade Agreement with Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia (to be visited by the Prime Minister this week), and will likely engage in other relationships and agreements[8]; human rights abuses should be addressed within such frameworks. Now is the time for the UK to act, to review relevant policies and relationships, and to prevent human rights violations.

Additional information

• Have you ever engaged with Parliament before (e.g. made a submission to a select committee)?
• Yes – May 2018, OKUP representatives spoke at a Parliamentary reception regarding migrant workers in the Gulf (31 MPs attended)
• Do you have personal or field experience related to international development issues?
• Yes – OKUP have been supporting migrant workers’ rights in Bangladesh for 20 years.
• If you are invited to pitch your idea to the Committee, would you be able to travel to London and back within the same day?
• No – OKUP could represent online, or staff of CAFOD (OKUP’s partner organisation) could join in person.