Migrant Workers Arrested in Mecca Following Protests Over Unpaid Wages

Human Rights Watch Reports Mass Arrests in Mecca

At least 600 migrant workers employed by Saudi Arabian Baytur Construction Company in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, were arrested after engaging in protests to demand months of unpaid wages, Human Rights Watch (HRW) reported on November 6, 2025. The workers, involved in the US$26 billion Masar redevelopment project, had resorted to work stoppages and strikes as a last resort to address their grievances.

Details of the Wage Dispute and Worker Conditions

The affected migrant workers had not received their salaries for at least eight months, with some reports indicating periods of up to 10 or 11 months. Many had experienced irregular payments for as long as two years. The actual number of unpaid workers could be significantly higher than the reported 600. One former worker interviewed by HRW was owed more than 150,000 Saudi riyals (approximately $39,997) in unpaid wages and benefits. The Masar redevelopment project, where these workers were employed, is funded by the nearly trillion-dollar Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF).

Workers from various nationalities, including Türkiye (Turkey), India, Bangladesh, Egypt, and Pakistan, were among those affected, with approximately 150 Turkish workers specifically noted in reports.

Arrests and Accusations Faced by Protesting Workers

During the protests, eleven migrant workers were detained by authorities, though they were later released. Accounts from some of the arrested workers revealed that they were accused of serious offenses. One worker stated, 'Some of our friends were handcuffed by police. They accused us of shouting slogans and speaking out against the prince and against the Kingdom… Our phones were confiscated.' Another worker reported being told, 'We didn't know that calling for a strike was a crime. They accused us of trying to overthrow the state… The handcuffs dug into our bones.'

Official Responses and Broader Concerns

Michael Page, deputy Middle East director at Human Rights Watch, criticized the situation, stating that the 'blatant wage theft against low-wage migrant workers by a company involved in a multi-billion-dollar project in Mecca speaks volumes about Saudi authorities' broken wage protection system.' He added that these workers 'continue to face retribution, including intimidation and detention, for demanding their contractually owed wages.'

In response to HRW's inquiries, Saudi Arabia's Human Resources and Social Development Ministry acknowledged the case, stating it was detected by their inspection and wage monitoring mechanisms. The ministry indicated that 'corrective action was taken in coordination with the company, the affected workers, and their embassies,' and confirmed Saudi Arabian Baytur's non-compliance was due to 'financial difficulties related to its operations.'

Despite a seven-month repayment plan submitted by Saudi Arabian Baytur to Saudi authorities, both workers and union representatives expressed skepticism, citing a similar unfulfilled plan from 2023. This incident is part of a broader pattern of documented 'widespread labor abuses' within Saudi Arabia's ambitious 'giga-projects,' often linked to the Public Investment Fund.