Soaring temperature threatens Gulf laborers

Human Rights Watch (HRW) said Sunday that migrant workers in the Gulf were at risk from extreme heat, urging countries to extend protections for laborers exposed to soaring temperatures.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait, where migrants represent a sizable share of the workforce, lie in one of the planet’s hottest regions where summer temperatures often edge towards 50 degrees Celsius.

“Every summer reveals that the climate crisis aggravates the occupational health and safety catastrophe for the millions of migrant workers dangerously exposed to extreme heat,” said Michael Page, HRW’s deputy Middle East director.

“Because Gulf states are dragging their feet on evidence-based labor protections, migrant workers are unnecessarily dying, experiencing kidney failure, and suffering from other chronic illnesses,” he added.

The wealthy Gulf states rely heavily on millions of migrant workers particularly in construction, the majority of whom hail from India and Pakistan.

Last month, the UAE breached its May temperature record for the second day in a row, hitting 51.6 degrees Celsius.