2/14/2025
Today from Hiiraan Online:  _
advertisements
Somali labour deals with Saudi Arabia slammed by unions over exploitation


Monday December 16, 2024



Mogadishu (HOL) — The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) and the Federation of Somali Trade Unions (FESTU) have condemned labour agreements between Somalia and Saudi Arabia, warning of systemic exploitation risks for Somali workers. These deals, signed earlier this year, authorize the deployment of Somali labourers to Saudi Arabia to meet the country's growing workforce demands, particularly for infrastructure projects tied to the 2034 FIFA World Cup.

FESTU labelled the agreements as "modern-day slavery," citing the absence of critical worker protections recommended by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in 2022. Luc Triangle, ITUC's General Secretary, denounced the agreements, calling them a "gross violation of human rights" and highlighting the Somali government's failure to engage unions in meaningful dialogue.

"We will do all we can to expose these unacceptable agreements and hold the Somali and Saudi governments accountable for their actions," Triangle said.

"We condemn these agreements, rushed through under political pressure without consulting with workers' unions, which disregard international labour standards, undermine workers' rights, and create the conditions for the systematic exploitation of tens of thousands of Somali migrant workers," Triangle said. "The Somali government must honour its commitments to engage FESTU in social dialogue, review the agreements, and ensure worker protections."

Saudi Arabia's reliance on migrant workers has long been marred by allegations of abuse and exploitation. Under the controversial kafala sponsorship system, workers' legal status is tied to their employers, severely restricting their mobility and exposing them to wage theft, unsafe working conditions, and physical abuse. Despite the 2021 Labor Reform Initiative, Human Rights Watch reports that violations persist across employment sectors.

These issues are compounded by Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 initiative, a multibillion-dollar plan to diversify the economy and enhance infrastructure. Projects tied to the 2034 World Cup, including 11 new stadiums and 185,000 hotel rooms, have intensified labour demands. Workers often endure long hours and dangerous conditions with little recourse.

A former migrant worker from Nepal shared, "I was promised a waiter job but ended up carrying heavy loads in a factory. My salary was reduced, and I had to work 14-hour shifts." Similar accounts highlight the risks Somali workers may face under the new agreements.

Somalia's Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, Yusuf Mohamed Adan, signed the agreements to regulate the recruitment of Somali workers, including domestic staff and professionals. However, critics argue that these agreements lack enforceable safeguards, leaving workers vulnerable to exploitation.

FESTU has urged the Somali government to suspend the agreements until adequate protections are in place. "Somali workers deserve better safeguards to avoid the exploitation experienced by others," the union stated.

Past initiatives to send Somali workers to Saudi Arabia have faced similar criticisms. Domestic workers, in particular, have reported long hours, withheld wages, and physical abuse. These concerns have led countries like Kenya and Ethiopia to ban their citizens from working in Saudi Arabia.

The agreements have also put FIFA's human rights commitments under the spotlight. While FIFA requires host nations to adhere to strict labour standards, its decision to award the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia has drawn criticism for overlooking the country's labour practices.

"This is not just a labour issue; it's a human rights crisis," Triangle said. ITUC and FESTU plan to collaborate with international stakeholders to hold both Somalia and Saudi Arabia accountable for protecting workers.



 





Click here