A Pakistani migrant worker, Muhammad Arshad, has died while working on the construction of a new stadium for the 2034 FIFA World Cup in Saudi Arabia. Arshad, a father of three, fell from an upper level at the Aramco Stadium in Al-Khobar on March 12. His death is the first known fatality connected to the tournament’s construction projects.
The incident has raised concerns about migrant worker safety in Saudi Arabia, especially given past criticisms of labor conditions in the Gulf region. Human rights groups had previously warned of the risks workers would face, with Amnesty International stating, “Migrant workers will face exploitation, and many will die.”
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Circumstances of the Accident
Arshad was working as a foreman when the fatal incident occurred. According to a statement by Belgian construction multinational Besix Group, whose subsidiary Six Construct is a main contractor at the stadium, three workers were engaged in formwork operations at height when the platform they were on tilted. While all workers had personal fall-arrest systems, Arshad was reportedly not connected to an anchor point at the time and fell, sustaining severe injuries. Emergency services were immediately called, but he succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.
Alleged Suppression of Information
Following Arshad’s death, workers at the stadium were allegedly called to a meeting and instructed to delete any video footage of the accident and not speak about the incident. Besix stated that this was done “out of respect for the victim’s family.” In response to the tragedy, Besix emphasized that safety remains a priority and that the company is fully cooperating with authorities to determine the exact circumstances of the accident. Under Saudi labor laws, employers are required to provide compensation in cases of work-related deaths. Besix stated that steps have been taken to support Arshad’s family and ensure that all payments are handled “in a timely and respectful manner.”
Family’s Struggle After Tragedy
Arshad, who was in his mid-30s, was the sole breadwinner for his family in Pakistan. He leaves behind three sons, aged between two and seven. His father, Muhammad Bashir, described the devastating impact of his son’s death, stating, “We have just fallen from the sky to the ground. The whole family is in a state of shock.”
Bashir said he had not yet been contacted directly by his son’s employer but was assured by a relative in Saudi Arabia that the family would receive Arshad’s outstanding salary and benefits. The worker’s body was flown back to Pakistan earlier this week, where he was laid to rest near his home.
Wider Concerns About Migrant Worker Conditions
The Aramco Stadium, a 47,000-seat venue, is one of 11 new stadiums being built for the 2034 World Cup. Saudi Arabia, which was confirmed as the host in late 2023, is undertaking massive construction projects, including infrastructure and accommodations, in preparation for the tournament.
However, concerns have been raised about the treatment of migrant workers in the kingdom. Last year, reports revealed that some workers at the stadium endured exploitative conditions. Many had to pay illegal recruitment fees to secure jobs in Saudi Arabia, leading to overwhelming debt. Others reported living in cramped and unsanitary conditions while working 10-hour shifts in extreme heat, with temperatures soaring to 45°C (113°F). Similar issues were reported in Qatar ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where thousands of migrant workers from South Asia were subjected to unsafe conditions and wage abuses.
FIFA and Aramco’s Response
FIFA, which awarded the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia, has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding Arshad’s death and the broader concerns about worker safety. The tournament’s main sponsor, Saudi state-owned oil giant Aramco, stated that employee safety is “our highest priority” and that it follows industry best practices in incident management and reporting. Besix, meanwhile, claims it has “made significant strides” in protecting workers’ rights across its projects and ensures that subcontractors comply with strict welfare standards. However, it also acknowledged that “some local contexts have proven challenging.”
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Saudi authorities are conducting a full inquiry into Arshad’s death. The results of the investigation may have broader implications for how worker safety is handled in the lead-up to the World Cup. With thousands of migrant workers continuing to work on World Cup-related projects, human rights organizations are calling for increased transparency and stronger protections to prevent further tragedies.