Human Rights Watch criticizes inadequate heat protection for migrant workers in Gulf states
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has criticized the insufficient heat protection for guest workers in the Gulf states. The United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar are among the hottest places in the world, with temperatures reaching up to 50 degrees Celsius in the summer. While work outdoors is prohibited during midday hours from mid-June to mid-September in these three countries, HRW argues that this is not enough.
"Global temperatures are reaching unprecedented levels. The Gulf states should therefore take the lead and implement strict heat protection rules instead of being passive bystanders," said Michael Page of HRW on Thursday. In the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, guest workers "suffer unnecessarily and even die from the stifling heat every day."
Page cited interviews with dozens of guest workers in the three countries. They reported that nosebleeds, fever, headaches, nausea, and fainting were common. Workers often could not take breaks in the shade, and often did not have cold water to drink and cool off. Extreme heat also occurs during the hours and months when outdoor work is permitted in these states, HRW noted further.
According to a report by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in Geneva, workers in Arab states are among the most affected by heat stress. The consequences of extreme heat were evident in June: During this year's Islamic pilgrimage, the Hajj, in Saudi Arabia, state media reported that 1,300 people died due to the extreme heat. Most of them were reportedly unregistered pilgrims who traveled long distances under direct sunlight without adequate protection.
The Gulf states should consider implementing a degree higher than 50 degrees Celsius as a breaking point for outdoor work, ensuring the safety of their guest workers. Despite having degree-specific heat protection rules, HRW contends that more stringent measures are necessary to safeguard the health of these workers.
