Gulf States ‘Dragging Their Feet’ on Heat Protections: HRW Report
Gulf states dragging their feet as migrant – Human Rights Watch (HRW) has highlighted the alarming negligence of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations in protecting migrant workers from deadly summer heat, accusing the region of Gulf states dragging their feet in implementing life-saving occupational safety measures. Despite overwhelming scientific evidence linking extreme temperatures to severe health risks, including heatstroke and even death, the Gulf states continue to delay action, leaving thousands of laborers vulnerable to hazardous working conditions. The report, released by HRW, underscores the urgency for Gulf nations to modernize their regulations and prioritize the well-being of their workforce, which includes a significant portion of migrant laborers.
The Heat of Labor: A Growing Crisis
As global temperatures rise, the Gulf region has become increasingly hostile for outdoor workers. HRW’s investigation revealed that even with the known dangers, many countries still adhere to outdated labor laws that force workers to endure grueling hours under scorching sun. The report cites specific cases where temperatures routinely exceed 45°C, yet work schedules remain unchanged, leaving laborers exposed for extended periods. This Gulf states dragging their feet attitude has been particularly evident in the construction and transportation sectors, where workers often lack adequate access to water, rest periods, or shade.
Testimonies from the Frontlines
HRW gathered firsthand accounts from 20 migrant workers across Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, revealing the grim reality of their daily struggles. Many of these workers, hailing from Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan, described working in conditions that would be unbearable for locals. One UAE road builder shared how temperatures surpassing 48°C made it nearly impossible to work before 11:30 am, despite feeling physically exhausted. “We can’t stop, even if we collapse,” he said, echoing the experiences of others in similar roles. Such testimonies paint a stark picture of the Gulf states dragging their feet in ensuring basic protections for their workforce.
“During summer, it becomes difficult to work by 7:30 or 8:00 am, but we have to work until 11:30 am no matter what,” a UAE-based worker explained. “Sometimes we hear news that someone in another company collapsed from the heat and died. We think, ‘Maybe tomorrow it will be our turn.’”
These accounts are not isolated incidents but part of a broader pattern. HRW emphasized that while some countries have introduced midday work bans between June and September, these measures are insufficient to address the year-round challenges posed by climate change. Workers in the gig economy, such as delivery drivers, face similar risks without clear legal safeguards, further exacerbating the issue. The Gulf states dragging their feet approach has created a dangerous environment where health and safety are secondary to economic priorities.
Recommendations and the Path Forward
In response to the findings, HRW called on Gulf governments to adopt the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) index, a more precise tool for assessing heat stress. The index accounts for humidity, radiation, and air movement, offering a dynamic framework for adjusting work hours and rest periods based on real-time conditions. While Qatar is the only GCC country that has integrated WBGT into its regulations, HRW noted that enforcement remains inconsistent, reflecting the Gulf states dragging their feet in fully committing to the measure.
The report also urged the adoption of a recent International Labour Organisation (ILO) convention aimed at protecting gig workers, including those in delivery and transport roles. By failing to update labor laws, Gulf states risk perpetuating a system that prioritizes productivity over human dignity. HRW stressed that the Gulf states dragging their feet in this area has significant moral and legal implications, as it allows employers to push workers to the brink without consequence.
Global Context and Lessons to Learn
The issue of heat exposure in the Gulf is part of a global trend, with rising temperatures threatening workers worldwide. However, the GCC’s delayed response stands out as a critical case of Gulf states dragging their feet. Other regions, such as India and Australia, have implemented stricter guidelines for heat safety, including mandatory breaks and adjusted working hours. By contrast, Gulf nations have yet to adopt such measures comprehensively, leaving their workers in a perilous position.
HRW’s findings highlight the need for immediate action. The Gulf states dragging their feet on heat protections not only endangers lives but also undermines international labor standards. As climate change continues to intensify, the time for reform is running out. Without swift changes, the deadly heat faced by migrant workers in the Gulf will remain an unaddressed crisis, with severe consequences for both individuals and the region’s reputation as a hub for labor mobility.
