The Saudi Ministry of Interior’s recent declaration that 9,639 illegal residents were detained during one week (June 5–11, 2024) sends a shivering reminder to the rest of the world regarding the Kingdom’s alarming human rights track record, particularly against migrant workers and refugees. At a time when Saudi Arabia is preparing to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, such mass detentions reveal a stark contrast between the image of Saudi modernization and its repressive domestic policies. To human rights activists, international citizens, and football enthusiasts, these events send a clear message. Saudi Arabia is not worthy of hosting the world’s most popular sporting event.
A Glimpse into Saudi Arabia’s Harsh Treatment of Migrants
Throughout the inspection period, Saudi authorities arrested thousands for contravening residency, labor, and border legislations:
- 5,625 were arrested for contravening residency legislation
- 2,797 for contravening border security legislation
- 1,217 for contravening labor legislation
Of all these arrests, a staggering 1,117 individuals were apprehended attempting to cross the border, and most of them were poor refugees and workers from Ethiopia (72%) and Yemen (28%). Not “criminals” like the government describes, but poverty-stricken refugees and migrant workers escaping war, famine, and political unrest, some of which were exacerbated by Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy, especially Saudi involvement in the war in Yemen.
Despite this human emergency, Saudi Arabia retaliates with mass arrests, deportations, and promises of brutal punishments. The Ministry of Interior has boasted openly that offenders may be sentenced up to 15 years in prison and a SR 1 million (USD 266,000) fine, with the added threat of seizure of vehicles or assets used in assisting any of these individuals.
The Ugly Truth Behind the ‘Modernizing Kingdom’ Facade
Since unveiling its Vision 2030 plan, Saudi Arabia has promoted itself as an open, reforming nation looking for international acceptance, especially through sport. Huge investments in golf (LIV Golf), Formula 1, and now football (2034 FIFA World Cup) are all part of this drive. But the kingdom’s record with migrant workers and refugees tells a very different story.
As reported by the United Nations International Labour Organization (ILO), Saudi Arabia is still one of the worst countries when it comes to labor rights, particularly owing to its now-reformed but still contentious kafala (sponsorship) system.
Human Rights Watch has continuously reported widespread abuse, unpaid wages, and mistreatment of foreign workers in Saudi Arabia, many of whom end up being undocumented or “illegal” merely because of abusive employers or contract disputes they cannot legally appeal.
The recent arrest of more than 14,402 illegal residents (13,364 males and 1,038 females) brings this endemic crisis to the forefront. Most likely, a good number of these nationals entered the country legally but found themselves in “illegal” status due to exploitative labor, employer seizure of passports, or delayed promises of work and wages.
A Repeat of Qatar’s Shame?
FIFA has already been condemned around the world for giving Qatar the right to host the 2022 World Cup, during which more than 6,500 migrant workers lost their lives during the decade of preparation, as a 2021 report by The Guardian confirmed. The subject of abuses of labor rights was prominent in the headlines and heavily damaged FIFA’s reputation. Is FIFA on the brink of repeating the same error?
Saudi Arabia’s recent crackdown implies as much. There is no suggestion that workers’ conditions have improved noticeably. Indeed, the mechanism by which exploitation took place in Qatar is firmly ingrained in Saudi Arabia’s political, legal, and economic environment.
Having the 2034 World Cup may well necessitate the employment of these same human trafficking victims for building stadiums, hotel services, transportation, and janitorial services, bringing with it a new human rights disaster on the horizon.
Refugees Turned Criminals: The Saudi-Yemen-Ethiopia Tragedy
Of the 1,117 individuals apprehended attempting to enter Saudi Arabia, the vast majority were Yemenis and Ethiopians, two of the most vulnerable groups in the region.
- Yemen has been ravaged by almost a decade of war, much of which was driven by Saudi-led military action, and the United Nations has dubbed the world’s worst humanitarian crisis.
- Ethiopia has experienced cycles of displacement caused by domestic conflict, famine, and political repression.
Rather than granting asylum or sanctuary to these individuals, Saudi Arabia arrests and sends them back in large sweeps. Thousands of Ethiopian migrants are detained in grossly overcrowded facilities with filthy, life-threatening conditions.
Amnesty International reports, before being summarily sent back to unsafe conditions in their home countries. This is a clear abrogation of international refugee law and also raises an unsettling question: How does a country treat refugees like criminals one day and pretend to be welcoming football supporters from all over the world the next?
Surveillance State: The Dark Side of Saudi Society
In its statement, the Saudi Ministry of Interior also invited its citizens to report suspected offenders by dialing 911, 999, or 996 hotlines, in effect making residents informants against neighbors and strangers. This is a stark testimony to the Kingdom’s surveillance-laden, policeman-dominated society, a far cry from the open, festive, global affair that the World Cup should be.
If the people and the workers are surveilled, arrested, and repressed every day, what liberties can the visiting fans hope for in 2034? Will LGBT fans, activists, journalists, or political dissidents be met with the same repression and control?
Why the World Must Say NO to Saudi 2034
Football is not just a sport; it is a celebration of humanity, diversity, and freedom. The FIFA World Cup is meant to reflect these values, not whitewash the violations of human rights of authoritarian regimes. Saudi Arabia’s track record—highlighted by these recent appalling arrests—demonstrates that the Kingdom continues to be unready and unsuitable for hosting such an event.
Act Now to Stop Saudi 2034 and Defend Human Rights
FIFA, global leaders, human rights groups, and supporters everywhere need to unite and oppose Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup. Another tournament built upon exploitation, suffering, and hypocrisy cannot be permitted. Speak out. Share this message. Demand accountability. Boycott Saudi 2034. On behalf of human rights, dignity, and football’s future. NO is what the world must say!