In a groundbreaking episode, ITV Exposure dives deep into the heart of Saudi Arabia’s most ambitious development, revealing shocking truths about the working conditions under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. As the Kingdom gears up to host the 2034 World Cup, the undercover journalist exposes the dark side of projects like The Line and NEOM. This revelation raises urgent questions about labor rights and the true cost of rapid modernization.
Undercover Insights: Life on The Line
The Line, a 100-mile car-free city, is touted as a futuristic marvel. However, ITV Exposure uncovers a stark contrast between its high-tech vision and the harsh realities faced by its workers.
Workers have reported:
- Excessive Hours: Regularly working up to 16 hours a day, far beyond the legal limit.
- Lack of Rest: Some endure 14 days without a single day off.
- Mental Strain: Constant fatigue leading to anxiety and health issues.
One anonymous worker shared, “We’re made to work extremely hard. There is little time to rest. We get tired. We suffer from anxiety day and night.” These testimonies paint a grim picture of exploitation and neglect.
The Human Cost of Vision 2030
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 aims to transform its economy with mega-projects like NEOM. Yet, the human toll is staggering, with 21,000 foreign workers reported dead over eight years.
Key Statistics:
Statistic | Details |
---|---|
Total Foreign Worker Deaths | 21,000 over eight years |
Nationalities Affected | Primarily from India, Bangladesh, Nepal |
Unexplained Deaths | One-third of Nepali worker deaths |
Project Highlight | The Line and NEOM mega-projects |
These numbers highlight a severe humanitarian crisis, overshadowing the Kingdom’s development narrative.
What’s Happening Behind the Scenes?
The investigative report features rare footage from construction sites, revealing the grueling conditions under which workers labor. Despite Saudi laws limiting work hours to 60 per week, many exceed this by a significant margin.
A driver involved in building a high-speed train tunnel stated, “We travel back and forth for four hours and don’t get paid for it. We don’t get enough rest.” The lack of adequate sleep has led to numerous accidents, with several reported just last month.
Voices from the Ground: Personal Stories
Personal accounts add a human dimension to the statistics. Raju Bishwakarma, a Nepali worker, died in Jeddah after reportedly being denied proper medical treatment. His death sparked violent protests, captured on camera, showcasing the desperation and anger among workers.
Anurag Devkota, a Nepali human rights lawyer, lamented, “Migrant workers are leaving this country every day, for a better future for their family members and a better future for their country. But in return, what we are getting is the dead bodies in the wooden boxes.” These stories underscore the urgent need for reform and accountability.