Family of Worker Killed on Saudi World Cup Site Still Awaiting Compensation After a Year
Lengthy delays in compensation payments are being described as "emblematic" of the struggles many relatives of migrant workers face in the Gulf kingdom, according to human rights groups. The case highlights ongoing concerns about worker safety and bureaucratic hurdles in Saudi Arabia's massive construction projects for the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
Tragic Incident at Aramco Stadium Construction Site
Mohammad Arshad, a migrant worker from Pakistan, died on 12 March 2025 after falling from a high platform at the Aramco Stadium construction site in the eastern city of Al Khobar. The platform tilted suddenly, and Arshad, who was not secured to it, was thrown to the ground. He later succumbed to his injuries in hospital, leaving behind a wife and three young sons in his home country.
This fatality represents the first known death of a migrant worker directly linked to the 2034 World Cup infrastructure projects. It occurred shortly after FIFA faced heavy criticism for awarding the tournament hosting rights to Saudi Arabia, a decision that has raised significant human rights concerns.
Broken Promises and Bureaucratic Delays
Following Arshad's death, Besix, the Belgian construction multinational serving as one of the main stadium contractors, promised to ensure all end-of-service and insurance payments would be "handled in a timely and respectful manner." However, nearly a year later, Arshad's family reports they have yet to receive any compensation payments.
Under Saudi law, the family is entitled to:
- Compensation for Arshad's death, potentially worth up to £63,250
- Outstanding salary payments
- End-of-service benefits
To date, the only financial support the family has received came from voluntary donations by Arshad's co-workers and project stakeholders, with matching funds provided by Besix. The family resides in Mansehra district, approximately two hours north of Islamabad.
Contractor's Response and Systemic Issues
In response to inquiries, Besix stated that end-of-service benefits had been transferred to the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation and should be paid shortly once the family submits required documentation. The company also claimed to be assisting the family with completing necessary paperwork for insurance payments related to death compensation.
However, Sardar Manzoor, a local politician and friend of Arshad, argues the family should not face such prolonged delays. "Arshad was like my brother, so I don't want his children to suffer," he stated, noting that remittances from Gulf workers like Arshad are crucial to Pakistan's economy.
Broader Implications for Migrant Workers
Human rights organizations have warned that thousands of unexplained migrant worker deaths could be linked to World Cup preparations and other large-scale construction projects in Saudi Arabia. The kingdom's World Cup bid includes plans to build 11 new stadiums and renovate four existing venues for the 2034 tournament.
James Lynch, a director at human rights group FairSquare, commented: "This terrible case is sadly emblematic of what so many families of migrant workers who die in Saudi Arabia go through. It shows the enormous hurdles that they face in attempting to secure the compensation they are legally due in cases of workplace accidents."
Human rights advocates have previously documented the "long and burdensome" process families must navigate to obtain compensation, with numerous cases resulting in minimal or no payments. Lynch has called on FIFA to publicly demand compensation for families of workers who die on tournament-related projects, stating the organization "cannot escape their responsibility" given their decision to award the World Cup to Saudi Arabia.
The situation underscores ongoing concerns about migrant worker protections in Gulf states and raises questions about accountability mechanisms for international sporting events hosted in regions with problematic human rights records.
