What the “Blood, Sweat and Oil” Report Alleges About Migrant Worker Abuses at Saudi Aramco Sites

The Italian contractor Saipem, which was involved in the project, confirmed that Rauniyar was injured and said it ensured he received medical assistance. However, the broader question of compensation remains a central concern highlighted by the report.

Research Behind the Report

FairSquare says its findings are based on interviews with 27 people, including workers and relatives, covering employees of 21 contractors and subcontractors working across four regions of Saudi Arabia.

The report argues that Aramco’s large contractor network—staffed overwhelmingly by migrant workers—creates situations in which responsibility for worker welfare can become fragmented across multiple companies.

Extreme Heat and Long Working Hours

Workers interviewed for the report described exposure to extreme temperatures exceeding 50°C, with some saying colleagues fainted or collapsed at work sites. One worker linked years of heat exposure to long‑term health problems such as kidney and heart issues.

The investigation also documents very long shifts, particularly among fuel‑tanker drivers serving Aramco facilities. Some workers reported shifts lasting up to 19 hours, limited rest breaks, and pressure to sleep in their vehicles between assignments, conditions that increase the risk of serious road accidents.

Housing Conditions Described as “Slum‑Like”

FairSquare also examined the accommodation provided to workers employed by contractors.

More than a third of interviewed workers described crowded or unsanitary housing that met the UN‑Habitat definition of slum housing. Some workers reported living in container housing with faulty electrical systems that caused shocks during rainstorms, along with poor‑quality food and limited sanitation.

Barriers to Compensation for Injuries and Deaths

A central claim in the report is that injured workers and bereaved families face significant obstacles when seeking compensation.

FairSquare reviewed six cases involving death or serious disability and found that only one resulted in adequate compensation, according to the report. Researchers argue that the process for claiming benefits through Saudi Arabia’s social‑insurance system is complex and often requires employer cooperation, which many migrant workers lack.

The report also alleges that in some cases families were encouraged to release bodies without post‑mortems, and that deaths occurring on work sites were sometimes classified as “natural deaths,” a designation that can prevent families from receiving compensation.

Wider Scrutiny Ahead of Major Sporting Events

The allegations have drawn attention partly because of Saudi Arabia’s expanding role in global sport.

Aramco has major sponsorship agreements with international sporting bodies, while Saudi Arabia is preparing to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup. Human rights groups argue that these partnerships increase pressure on sponsors and organizers to ensure labor protections are respected.

In April 2026, independent United Nations human rights experts urged Saudi Arabia to take urgent action to protect the country’s estimated 16 million migrant workers, warning that abuse and labor exploitation are still being reported despite earlier labor reforms.

Aramco’s Response

According to the FairSquare report and related coverage, researchers wrote to Saudi Aramco seeking comment on the allegations but did not receive a response before publication.

Contractors connected to specific cases have responded in some instances. For example, Saipem said it provided medical care to Rauniyar following his workplace injury.

The report ultimately argues that stronger oversight of contractors and clearer responsibility for worker welfare are necessary to prevent abuses in large industrial supply chains tied to global companies and major international events.