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Here is an overview of the twelve countries that have been accused of exploiting migrant labour, detailing the nature of the abuse, the sectors involved, and the structural or legal uses. These are not exhaustive, but are among the most documented and frequently cited.
1. Qatar
Qatar has long been criticised over its treatment of migrant workers. It is a case for those who are involved in the construction of major infrastructure projects like the 2022 World Cup. The abuses include excessive recruitment fees, passport confiscation, unsafe working and living conditions, delayed or unpaid wages, and restrictions under the sponsorship (kafala) system.
2. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia has also been accused of forced labour and related abuses from migrant workers. Its key complaints include non-payment of wages, confiscation of passports, debt bondage, prevention of job changes, and very poor living conditions. Reports of alleged widespread violations were reported from a recent complaint to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) by trade unions.
3. Kuwait
In Kuwait, domestic workers and other migrants are particularly vulnerable. The sponsorship system ties their legal status to their employer, who gains substantial power (such as cancelling residency, withholding passports, etc.). Its various complaints include unpaid wages, confinement, physical and psychological abuse, and limited legal protection.
4. Malaysia
Malaysia is a major destination for migrant labourers from South and Southeast Asia. According to detailed reports, many are misled by recruiters with promises of good jobs, only to face low pay, withheld or delayed wages, dangerous working conditions, passport retention, very long work hours, and sometimes abuse. Informal or registered recruitment agencies play an important role.
5. Bahrain
Bahrain is flagged for labour as part of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Migrants working in construction, domestic service, etc., face forced labour, human trafficking, passport retention, threats, and a lack of sufficient legal protection.
6. United Arab Emirates (UAE)
The UAE has been repeatedly accused of migrant labour abuse. Poor working conditions (especially for manual workers), unsafe construction sites, issues with workers being hired on tourist visas (thus reducing protections), wage theft, and sometimes limited access to remedies are among the allegations.
7. Jordan
Jordan is regarded as both a source, transit, and destination country for migrant labour. These include many domestic workers and refugees. Some face forced labour, especially in agriculture, garment factories, and domestic service. Threats include inability to return home (due to overstay penalties, criminal charges), contract substitution, and exploitation tied to irregular status.
8. Spain
Spain, within the EU, has been the site of “semi-slavery” allegations in agriculture, where migrants (often irregular) are exploited by agents or small networks. Its examples include cases where groups of migrants are made to work long hours, underpaid with false promises about contracts and living conditions.
9. France
Recent cases (e.g., the “Grape Harvest of Shame”) have exposed the exploitation of most undocumented West African migrant workers in the Champagne region. The allegations include human trafficking, unsafe living conditions, long hours, minimal breaks, and false promises.
10. United Kingdom
There are frequent reports of migrant labour abuse from the UK, especially in sectors like agriculture, food processing, security, delivery, cleaning, and informal trades. The common abuses include wage theft, unsafe or substandard accommodations, lack of legal protection, or difficulty accessing remedies.
11. United States
There are documented cases of exploitation of migrant workers who come from the US, although its labour laws are comparatively strong. Cases of exploitation of migrant labour are those in informal or heavily contracted sectors (agriculture, domestic work, service, etc.). The issues include withheld wages, debt or fees for recruitment, dangerous working conditions, and restrictions on movement.
12. Lebanon (and similar Middle-East domestic worker destinations)
Lebanon is often mentioned for its weak protections for migrant domestic workers. Many workers are excluded from labour laws, have little recourse, and are vulnerable to abuse (physical, sexual, psychological), extremely long hours, non-payment, and confinement. Although there has been pressure for reforms, implementation remains weak.
Here’s a clear comparative table of the 12 countries accused of exploiting migrant labour, showing the sectors, key issues, and structural causes.
| Country | Main Sectors Involved | Key Exploitation Issues | Structural Causes |
| Qatar | Construction, domestic work | Passport confiscation, wage theft, unsafe work, excessive hours | Kafala system tying workers to employers |
| Saudi Arabia | Domestic work, construction, services | Unpaid wages, debt bondage, poor living conditions | Sponsorship system, weak enforcement |
| Kuwait | Domestic work, construction | Confinement, unpaid wages, abuse | Employer control under kafala, limited legal rights |
| Malaysia | Plantations, electronics, construction | Recruitment fraud, wage withholding, passport retention | Reliance on private recruiters, weak oversight |
| Bahrain | Construction, domestic work | Human trafficking, forced labour | Kafala system, limited protections for migrants |
| UAE | Construction, hospitality, domestic work | Unsafe sites, underpayment, lack of grievance access | Tourist visa hiring loopholes, employer dependency |
| Jordan | Agriculture, garment, domestic work | Contract substitution, overstay penalties, exploitation of refugees | Weak protection, sponsorship laws |
| Spain | Agriculture (fruit/vegetables) | Underpayment, long hours, poor housing | Irregular migration status, weak enforcement |
| France | Agriculture (wine/grape harvest) | Wage theft, long hours, unsafe living | Dependence on seasonal migrant labour |
| United Kingdom | Agriculture, food processing, services | Wage theft, overcrowded housing, abuse of irregulars | Informal work networks, subcontracting chains |
| United States | Agriculture, domestic work, food service | Recruitment debt, unsafe work, withheld wages | Weak protections for temporary visa holders |
| Lebanon | Domestic work | Confinement, physical/psychological abuse, non-payment | Exclusion from labour laws, kafala system |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which countries are most frequently accused of exploiting migrant labour?
2. What are the main causes of migrant labour exploitation in these countries?
3. Are there international efforts to address migrant labour abuse?
4. How can migrant workers be better protected?
