Saudi Arabia investigates conditions of workers in Amazon warehouses

Saudi Arabia has announced an inquiry into distressing reports about the harsh conditions faced by migrant workers at Amazon warehouses in the country. They strongly condemned any form of labor abuse and exploitation, considering it completely unacceptable.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development clarified that the investigation had started even before the recent findings by Amnesty International were published. The reports from Amnesty International had revealed appalling living conditions, safety hazards, and wage theft faced by Nepalese Amazon workers in Saudi Arabia.

The statement emphasized that the distressing reports were already under investigation. Saudi authorities are thoroughly examining all forms of labor abuse and exploitation, ensuring a comprehensive investigation into the matter.

Amnesty International’s report was based on testimonies from 22 men who had worked at Amazon warehouses in Riyadh or Jeddah since 2021. The report accused recruitment agents and Saudi labor supply companies of deceiving workers who believed they would be directly employed by Amazon.

Upon arriving in Saudi Arabia, these workers found themselves in overcrowded and unclean living conditions, sometimes infested with bed bugs. Their work conditions were described as grueling, with constant monitoring and insufficient rest, resulting in occasional injuries.

The statement released on Thursday emphasized that Saudi authorities had taken strong measures to combat human trafficking on an international scale. This includes ratification of the International Labor Organization protocol against forced labor.