A Pakistani migrant worker, Muhammad Arshad, has died while working on a stadium being built for the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia. The incident occurred on March 12 at the Aramco Stadium construction site in Al Khobar, marking the first reported death of a migrant worker linked to the tournament.
Arshad, who was employed as a foreman, fell from an upper level when the platform he was working on tilted. Although he had a personal fall-arrest system, he was not connected to an anchor point at the time, according to the Belgian construction company Besix Group, whose subsidiary Six Construct is involved in the project. Despite emergency efforts, he succumbed to his injuries in the hospital.
His death has reignited concerns about worker safety in Saudi Arabia, with human rights groups warning of potential exploitation and risks for migrants on World Cup construction sites. Amnesty International had previously cautioned that many workers would face hazardous conditions, with some losing their lives.
Sources revealed that after the accident, workers were allegedly instructed to delete any video footage and remain silent about the incident. Besix, however, stated that workers were only asked to refrain from sharing distressing images on social media out of respect for Arshad’s family. The company assured that authorities were investigating, and all due compensation and benefits for Arshad’s family would be handled promptly.
Arshad, a father of three young children, was the sole provider for his family in Pakistan. His devastated father, Muhammad Bashir, said the family is struggling to come to terms with their loss and is now facing financial uncertainty. Saudi labour laws mandate compensation for work-related deaths, and Arshad’s employer has promised to fulfill these obligations.
The Aramco Stadium, one of 11 new venues planned for the 2034 World Cup, is being developed by Aramco, a state-owned oil giant and FIFA’s top sponsor. Thousands of migrant workers, primarily from South Asia, are involved in its construction. Reports indicate that many endure harsh conditions, long hours, withheld wages, and extreme summer heat, raising further concerns about labour rights and safety.
Saudi Arabia is undergoing a massive construction boom to prepare for the tournament, with heavy reliance on low-wage migrant labour. Despite company assurances of improved working conditions, advocacy groups remain skeptical, calling for stronger protections to prevent further tragedies. FIFA has yet to comment on the incident.