Amnesty International has documented widespread labor violations affecting migrant workers constructing the Riyadh Metro, including illegal recruitment fees ranging from $700 to $2,700 that forced many employees into debt. The organization interviewed 38 workers from India, Nepal, and other nations who described hazardous heat exposure causing on-site collapses, wages below $2 hourly, and workweeks exceeding 60 hours despite protections under Saudi regulations and international human rights standards.
The transit system became fully operational after construction began in 2014, with tens of thousands of laborers contributing to what officials describe as among the world's most sophisticated rail networks. Amnesty is pressing authorities to overhaul migrant employment practices, demanding companies conduct thorough human rights assessments while urging origin governments to strengthen recruitment protections.
The transit system became fully operational after construction began in 2014, with tens of thousands of laborers contributing to what officials describe as among the world's most sophisticated rail networks. Amnesty is pressing authorities to overhaul migrant employment practices, demanding companies conduct thorough human rights assessments while urging origin governments to strengthen recruitment protections.
