Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Reports have emerged that hundreds of migrant laborers working on one of Mecca’s largest redevelopment projects have gone months without pay. Human Rights Watch (HRW) revealed that at least 600 workers employed by Saudi Arabian Baytur Construction Company have not received their wages for up to eight months — and the true number of affected workers may be even higher.
The employees, part of the multi-billion-dollar Masar Project funded by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), staged peaceful strikes and work stoppages to demand their due payments. Their protests, however, were met with arrests and intimidation. At least 11 migrant workers were detained but later released after brief custody.
“Wage Theft in a Multi-Billion-Dollar Project”
“This blatant wage theft against low-income migrant workers involved in one of Mecca’s largest development projects highlights the flaws in Saudi Arabia’s wage protection system,” said Michael Page, HRW’s Deputy Middle East Director. “Instead of being heard, the workers were punished for standing up for their rights.”
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HRW interviewed several affected workers, including two former Baytur employees. One worker, now back home, said he was owed more than 150,000 Saudi riyals (approximately US$40,000) in unpaid wages and benefits. Others described the mental and physical toll of the ordeal.
“The last two years of irregular pay drained the life out of me,” one worker said. “We were constantly told the money was on the way, stuck in the bank, or waiting for a signature.”
Another worker who was arrested added, “We didn’t know that calling for a strike was a crime. They accused us of trying to overthrow the state. The handcuffs dug into our bones.”
Authorities Acknowledge Violations
When contacted by HRW, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development confirmed that Baytur had failed to pay workers due to “financial difficulties.” The ministry stated that it had taken “corrective action” in coordination with the company, the affected workers, and their respective embassies.
However, HRW noted that many employees remained fearful of further retaliation and declined interviews, worried that speaking up might cost them their jobs or lead to deportation.
Masar Project and Vision 2030
The Masar redevelopment project, stretching 3.65 km toward the Masjid al-Haram, is a flagship part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative, aimed at expanding Mecca’s capacity to host 30 million pilgrims by 2030. The project also seeks to create 16,000 new jobs and diversify the economy beyond oil.
Baytur Construction, which manages the project under Umm Al Qura Development & Construction, reportedly stopped paying salaries to workers from Turkey, India, Bangladesh, Egypt, and Pakistan. Payments had already been inconsistent for the past two years before ceasing entirely.
A Broader Problem Ahead of Global Events
Saudi Arabia is currently undergoing a massive construction boom, including preparations for hosting the 2034 FIFA World Cup. Labor rights groups have warned that without comprehensive reform, ongoing wage abuse cases could severely tarnish the country’s international image.
“Thousands of migrant workers endure Saudi Arabia’s extreme heat and tough conditions to provide for their families,” Page added. “There is absolutely no justification for denying them the wages they are legally owed.”
Source: Human Rights Watch, Media Reports
