Migrant workers in the UAE's renewable energy sector are facing exploitation and forced labor, according to an investigation by Equidem, a human rights organization.
The study revealed that these workers, primarily from South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, are subjected to wage theft, illegal working hours, and other forms of exploitation. The investigation involved interviews with 34 migrant workers employed by subcontractors linked to major renewable energy developers.
Two-thirds of those interviewed reported experiencing wage theft, while half of the workers indicated they were forced to work excessively long hours. Many workers also faced recruitment fees and had their passports withheld.
Despite the UAE's rapid transition to renewable energy, the sector has been built on a foundation of exploitation, with violations aligning with indicators of forced labor established by the International Labour Organization. Workers reported financial, physical, and psychological abuse, as well as overcrowded and unsanitary living conditions.
The investigation also scrutinized the practices of major renewable energy developers in the Gulf region, revealing a lack of accountability and ethical practices.
The working conditions for migrant laborers in the UAE's renewable energy sector are worsened by the extreme climate, posing health risks. The findings call for a reevaluation of corporate responsibility and a comprehensive approach to safeguard the rights of all workers involved in the renewable energy supply chain.