Saudi Arabia UN Labour Deal: Migrant Worker Reforms
- Saudi Arabia and the International Labour Institution (ILO) have launched a new phase of cooperation aimed at advancing decent work reforms.
- Iain Byrne, Amnesty international’s Head of Economic and Social justice, acknowledged the declaration but questioned the program's scope and potential impact on millions of workers.
- The timing of the agreement coincides with a formal complaint filed against Saudi Arabia at the ILO by global unions, highlighting the country's shortcomings in protecting migrant worker...
Saudi Arabia and the ILO are entering a new phase of cooperation, but will it protect vulnerable migrant workers? This pivotal agreement aims to advance crucial labour reforms. However, Amnesty International demands transparency and self-reliant monitoring, underscoring the critical need to address the exploitative kafala system. Recent action includes a formal complaint highlighting shortcomings in protections for migrant workers. With millions at stake, News Directory 3 is following this story closely as the ILO governing body considers the complaint. Scrutinize the details of this landmark agreement as we assess its potential impact on freedom of expression and the rights of Saudi Arabia’s 13.4 million migrant workers. discover what’s next regarding the reforms.
Saudi Arabia, ILO Partner to Advance Migrant Worker Reforms
Updated June 8, 2025
Saudi Arabia and the International Labour Institution (ILO) have launched a new phase of cooperation aimed at advancing decent work reforms. In response, Amnesty International is urging transparency and independent monitoring of the program, emphasizing the need for comprehensive changes to protect migrant workers.
Iain Byrne, Amnesty international’s Head of Economic and Social justice, acknowledged the declaration but questioned the program’s scope and potential impact on millions of workers. He stressed that human rights groups and unions have long advocated for labor reforms to end the exploitation of migrant workers in Saudi Arabia.
The timing of the agreement coincides with a formal complaint filed against Saudi Arabia at the ILO by global unions, highlighting the country’s shortcomings in protecting migrant worker rights. The complaint underscores the urgent need for substantial reforms.
If this program is to be truly transformative for migrant workers,it must among other things fully tackle the core features of the abusive kafala system that leave workers wholly dependent on their employers.
Iain byrne, Amnesty International’s Head of Economic and Social Justice
Byrne added that a truly transformative program must address the core issues of the kafala system, which leaves workers dependent on employers. He also cited concerns about restrictions on freedom of expression and the lack of access for NGOs and trade unions, which hinder independent monitoring and undermine the agreement’s credibility.
Amnesty International is calling on Saudi authorities and the ILO to make all aspects of their cooperation public and allow independent monitoring of its implementation.They believe this agreement must lead to a complete overhaul of the labor system to safeguard the rights of the country’s 13.4 million migrant workers and end the culture of impunity.
What’s next
The ILO governing body will consider the complaint against Saudi Arabia, adding pressure for concrete action. The focus will be on whether the reforms address the core issues of the kafala system and ensure independent monitoring.