Saudi Arabia Denies Reports of Increased Worker Deaths Amid Criticism of Labor Conditions
Saudi Arabia has firmly rejected media claims suggesting a rise in worker fatalities due to unsafe working conditions, following the release of ITV’s documentary “Kingdom Uncovered: Inside Saudi Arabia.” The documentary alleges that over 21,000 foreign workers from India, Bangladesh, and Nepal have died since the inception of the ambitious ‘Saudi Vision 2030’ project, which aims to transform the Kingdom’s economy and infrastructure.
In response to these allegations, the Saudi National Council for Occupational Safety and Health (NCOSH) issued a statement on November 1, asserting that the information presented in the documentary is inaccurate and lacks credible sources. The council reported that the fatality rate related to work conditions in Saudi Arabia stands at just 1.12 per 100,000 workers, one of the lowest rates globally.
The NCOSH highlighted the international recognition received from the International Labour Organization (ILO) for Saudi Arabia’s advancements in enhancing occupational safety and health standards. This includes a notable reduction in workplace accidents and injuries, reflecting the Kingdom’s commitment to improving labor conditions.
The council emphasized the critical role of the “National Strategic Program for Occupational Safety and Health Initiative,” a cornerstone of Saudi Vision 2030, aimed at overhauling safety regulations and workplace standards. This initiative has been active since 2017, focusing on safeguarding the health and safety of all employees in the Kingdom.
In light of these developments, the Saudi council urged the media and the public to seek information from reliable sources to ensure accuracy and context in reporting labor conditions in the country.
