“Screaming for Help: Amazon Workers in Saudi Arabia Exploited by Labor Supply and Recruiting Firms

Being held in an oppressive foreign country against one’s will with no way of escaping can be a frightening experience. This is the daily reality for many foreign workers in Saudi Arabia, particularly those employed in e-commerce giant Amazon. The workers have come forth to share accounts of harsh conditions, mistreatment, and exploitation at the hands of labor supply and recruiting firms. The workers assert that they were promised lucrative opportunities and salaries by recruitment agencies when they first arrived in Saudi Arabia. Instead, after being transported to the country, they became subjected to harsh working conditions and, in some cases, situations of modern-day slavery. The workers were placed under contracts that rendered them unable to leave the country for extended durations of time or seek alternative employment. Furthermore, when the laborers attempted to report the violations or mistreatment, Amazon and the labor supply and recruiting firms failed to intervene. They were threatened with termination or deportation if they continued to speak out. This is unfortunately a common issue that international workers in low-wage industries often face when working overseas in countries with less stringent labor laws. The workers, represented by a group called Workers’ Rights Jeddah, have demanded Amazon take responsibility and set an example for other multinational companies who continue to exploit foreign labor. By committing to remove brutal and oppressive conditions for international workers, Amazon can contribute to protecting the rights of millions of exploited laborers from around the world. Despite the complex nature of labor laws in Saudi Arabia, the need for increased transparency and corporate responsibility in addressing labor exploitation and abuse is clear. Those who are responsible for exploiting labor should be held accountable. By taking a stand against companies like Amazon, the government, the people of Saudi Arabia, and the workers themselves can create change and promote the safety and well-being of their fellow human beings.