Migrant Workers in UAE Renewable Projects Face Abusive Conditions: An Eye-Opening Report
Migrant workers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) engaged in solar and wind projects are speaking out about the exploitative treatment they endure. Complaints include hefty recruitment fees, wage theft, and grueling hours in hazardous heat. Equidem, a human rights organization, conducted a thorough investigation revealing shocking details that shed light on potential forced labor practices in the high-tech renewable energy sector.
Shocking Findings Unveiled
Equidem interviewed 34 migrant workers from South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa who are part of the supply chain for major renewable energy developers in the UAE. These workers are employed by 14 local subcontracting companies, ranging from solar installers to transport services. The investigation uncovered that two-thirds of the workers experienced wage theft, with many being subjected to unpaid, delayed, or irregular wages. Half of the respondents reported working excessively long hours, while an equal number mentioned being charged illegal recruitment fees.
Mustafa Qadri, Equidem’s chief executive, expressed disbelief at the dire conditions faced by these workers in a sector that boasts lucrative investment opportunities. The organization’s report highlighted breaches of UAE labor laws and international standards, aligning with most indicators of forced labor outlined by the International Labour Organization.
Disturbing Accounts of Exploitation
The workers’ testimonies paint a harrowing picture of their daily lives. One Indian worker, Suaid, subcontracted to pack solar equipment, described being treated like an animal, working 12-hour shifts without respite. The workers endure discrimination, violence, and harassment, with some living in unsanitary, overcrowded accommodations and struggling to afford basic necessities due to inadequate food allowances.
Equidem opted not to disclose specific project or employer names to protect the workers from potential retaliation. Qadri stressed the urgency of addressing these egregious conditions that have been kept hidden under a shroud of silence.
Urgent Call for Action
The renewable energy boom in the UAE has been hailed as a significant step towards sustainability. However, the rapid growth has come at a high cost for migrant workers, who are essential to the region’s economic development. The opaque nature of the supply chain in the renewable energy sector exacerbates the risks faced by these workers, as contractual obligations remain veiled in secrecy.
Isobel Archer from the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre emphasized the need for heightened human rights due diligence among companies operating in the Gulf region. She urged swift action to protect the rights of vulnerable workers and prevent further exploitation in the pursuit of green energy solutions.
As the world grapples with climate change, the plight of these migrant workers serves as a stark reminder of the human toll behind the push for renewable energy. It is imperative that companies prioritize the well-being of all individuals in their value chains, ensuring that green initiatives do not come at the expense of human rights.