Amnesty International Uncovers Severe Exploitation of Migrant Workers at Carrefour Sites in Saudi Arabia

In a press release, Amnesty International has accused Carrefour and its franchise operator, Majid Al Futtaim, of exploiting migrant workers in Saudi Arabia. The organization’s latest report, titled "I would fear going to work": Labour exploitation at Carrefour sites in Saudi Arabia, documents how workers from Nepal, India, and Pakistan were deceived by recruitment agents, forced to work excessive hours, and denied proper compensation. Living in squalid conditions, the workers feared being fired if they protested or resisted additional overtime.

The abuses, Amnesty says, likely amount to forced labor, with some cases possibly involving human trafficking for labor exploitation. Despite their legal and moral obligations, neither Carrefour nor Majid Al Futtaim took adequate action to stop these abuses or compensate the affected workers.

“Workers thought they were opening the door to a better life but were instead subjected to appalling exploitation and abuse. Carrefour’s inaction meant it failed to prevent this suffering,” said Marta Schaaf, Director at Amnesty International.

Amnesty emphasized that the report’s release coincides with an upcoming International Labour Organization (ILO) review of a complaint against the Saudi government regarding wage theft and forced labor. This highlights the urgent need for reforms in the country’s labor system.

Carrefour and Majid Al Futtaim have initiated internal investigations and audits following Amnesty’s findings but have yet to commit to reimbursing workers for recruitment fees or compensating them for the abuses suffered.