Migrant Worker Dies During World Cup Stadium Construction in Saudi Arabia
In a heartbreaking incident, a foreign worker tragically lost his life while working on the construction of a stadium for the 2034 football World Cup in Saudi Arabia.
Muhammad Arshad, a Pakistani national, fell from an upper level of the Aramco Stadium in Al Khobar on March 12, marking the first reported death linked to the tournament preparations.
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Arshad was part of a team engaged in formwork operations at a significant height when the platform they were working on tilted.
Despite being equipped with personal fall-arrest systems, he was not connected to an anchor point at the time of the fall, resulting in severe injuries.
Emergency services were called promptly, but sadly, Arshad succumbed to his injuries in the hospital.
This incident has drawn immediate attention, particularly from human rights groups that have long criticized Saudi Arabia’s treatment of migrant workers.
The country’s record on labor rights has raised concerns, with activists warning of potential risks faced by workers involved in World Cup projects.
Following Arshad’s death, workers were reportedly instructed to delete any video footage of the incident and refrain from discussing it, a move that has stirred further outrage.
Besix Group, the Belgian multinational responsible for the construction, expressed its condolences and stated that safety remains their top priority.
They are cooperating fully with authorities conducting an inquiry into the incident to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
The company emphasized that they have made significant strides in protecting workers’ rights, yet many voices persist in highlighting the harsh realities faced by migrant laborers in the kingdom.
Arshad’s family is left reeling from the loss. His father, Mohammed Bashir, described the shock of losing his son, who was the primary breadwinner for his family.
Although they will receive Arshad’s outstanding salary and benefits, the emotional and financial void left by his death is irreplaceable.
As the world looks toward the upcoming World Cup, the spotlight on Saudi Arabia’s labor practices becomes ever more critical.
With the Aramco Stadium being just one of eleven venues under construction, the plight of workers like Arshad serves as a stark reminder of the human cost behind grand sporting events.
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