Migrant workers employed in renewable energy projects in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are reporting harsh working conditions, with allegations of wage theft, exploitative recruitment practices, and excessive working hours in extreme heat. A recent investigation by the human rights group Equidem reveals significant violations that point to forced labor within the sector.
Equidem conducted interviews with 34 migrant workers from South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa working for 10 major renewable energy developers in the UAE. These workers were employed by 14 subcontracting companies specializing in various services, such as solar installations, security, and cleaning. Many workers reported facing severe issues, including unpaid or delayed wages, excessive working hours, and illegal recruitment fees, practices that trap them in debt. Some workers also disclosed that their passports were confiscated, which is against UAE labor laws.
Mustafa Qadri, CEO of Equidem, described these findings as “shocking,” especially given the industry’s global reputation for innovation and investment. Equidem’s report identified violations that match 10 of the International Labour Organization’s 11 indicators of forced labor, exposing systemic exploitation in the UAE’s rapidly growing renewable energy sector.
The UAE, known for its oil and gas production, has significantly expanded its renewable energy capacity, reaching 5.6 gigawatts by 2022. However, this rapid growth has come at a high cost for workers, with many reporting overcrowded living conditions, insufficient food allowances, and workplace harassment. One worker described the abusive treatment, stating, “The company treats all workers like animals.” Others spoke of working long hours without rest under extreme temperatures, leading to serious health impacts.
The findings also highlight the risks associated with the sector’s complex and opaque supply chains. Subcontracting arrangements often leave workers vulnerable to exploitation, with many companies failing to enforce policies that protect migrant workers. A review of governance policies by the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre (BHRRC) found that only 12 of the largest 27 renewable energy developers in the Gulf acknowledged the specific risks faced by migrant workers, and just eight explicitly prohibited recruitment fees.
The plight of these workers shows broader concerns about the Gulf region’s track record on labor rights. Events like the Qatar World Cup and Dubai Expo have drawn attention to the systemic abuse of migrant workers, but the renewable energy sector presents unique challenges. Many projects are located in remote desert areas, isolating workers and exposing them to extreme environmental conditions.
Climate change further complicates the issue, as the UAE’s already harsh climate is projected to worsen. Migrant workers often come from countries like Kenya, India, and Pakistan, where climate-related disasters have driven people to seek employment abroad, sometimes under desperate conditions.
Advocates argue that companies in the renewable energy sector must implement stronger human rights protections. BHRRC called on companies to conduct thorough due diligence and prioritize the welfare of workers in their value chains. Isobel Archer of BHRRC emphasized, “The transition to renewables cannot come at the expense of the most vulnerable workers.”
Despite these calls for action, many companies have not responded. Out of 27 developers contacted by BHRRC, only Masdar, a UAE-based company, replied, stating its commitment to protecting worker rights. However, experts argue that a wider change in the industry is needed to prevent worker exploitation in green energy development.