Amnesty International has accused the Saudi Arabian franchise of French supermarket chain Carrefour of exploiting migrant workers, according to a report published on Monday.
The human rights group claimed that workers recruited from countries like India, Nepal, and Pakistan were subjected to harsh working conditions,
Including excessive hours, poor living arrangements, and denial of days off.
Some workers were also reportedly cheated out of their earnings and deceived by recruitment agents.
Marta Schaaf, head of Amnesty International’s corporate accountability program, condemned the conditions faced by these workers.
“Many thought they were starting a better life, but instead were met with exploitation and abuse,” she said, adding that for some, the treatment amounted to forced labour and even human trafficking.
The report places responsibility on Carrefour, noting that the company should ensure that labour abuses do not occur throughout its operations, including in franchises.
Amnesty has urged Carrefour and its Middle Eastern franchisee, Majid Al Futtaim (MAF), to take immediate action to prevent further harm and address the workers’ suffering.
Carrefour responded by stating it had conducted an internal investigation after earlier discussions with Amnesty.
While the probe did not confirm most of the allegations, Carrefour acknowledged issues in housing, training, and tracking work hours, which it said had already been addressed.
The company has now appointed an external expert to assess the human rights situation more thoroughly.
MAF operates almost 500 Carrefour stores across the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, with Saudi Arabia being its second-largest market after the United Arab Emirates.
The company earned approximately $735 million in net profit last year.
Saudi Arabia’s human resources ministry reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards worker abuse, asserting that such allegations are thoroughly investigated.
The ministry also highlighted its collaboration with the home countries of migrant workers to combat unfair recruitment practices.
However, the statement did not specifically address Amnesty’s claims regarding Carrefour.
As Carrefour faces mounting pressure, it remains to be seen how the company and its franchisee will handle these serious allegations.
And whether necessary reforms will be implemented to safeguard the rights of migrant workers.
