Eliminating forced labor: A victim-centred approach 

The International Labour Organization estimates that more than 27 million men, women and children worldwide are in forced labor. No country has entirely eradicated this breach of fundamental human rights from their society, and it continues to affect every economic sector.

As we enter 2025 — the year in which the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals target the end of forced labor for children — it is incumbent on all governments to further accelerate our collective efforts to end this crime.

Saudi Arabia was the first Gulf Cooperation Council country to ratify the International Labour Organization’s 2014 Protocol to the Forced Labour Convention. Demonstrating its commitment to this international agreement, the Kingdom has now introduced a National Policy for the Elimination of Forced Labor — the first of its kind in an Arab country.

This initiative highlights Saudi Arabia’s commitment to a labor market that is not only safe and fair but also forward thinking. It aligns with international standards, supports the UN SDGs, and is crucial in achieving the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives.

Ending forced labor requires more than criminal law enforcement — it demands a comprehensive approach that addresses root causes through preventative measures, provides support for victims, and fosters local, national, and international cooperation. The new national policy recognizes this, covering prevention and protection measures to end forced labor. It also sets out comprehensive victim-centric policies, including enhancing access to care, support, and justice.

Prevention forms the cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s efforts. By strengthening legislative frameworks, enhancing inspection mechanisms, and raising awareness about the risks of forced labor, the national policy aims to address the issue at its root.

The fight against forced labor cannot succeed in isolation. Recognizing this, Saudi Arabia’s national policy places a strong emphasis on national, regional and international partnerships.

Sattam bin Amer Alharbi

These efforts will bolster Saudi Arabia’s comprehensive Labor Law, as well as targeted legislation including the Child Protection Law and Anti-Trafficking in Persons Law. It will also build on the ongoing program of labor market reforms introduced since 2020, which have protected and enhanced workers’ rights, particularly targeting those most vulnerable.

Equally critical is the policy’s focus on supporting victims. Forced labor survivors face physical and psychological trauma, and, through the national policy, Saudi Arabia is committed to supporting their recovery.

Immediate, on-the-ground assistance, such as safe shelters, is key to this victim-centered approach. These are reinforced by wide-ranging longer-term measures to provide legal, social and economic assistance, which aim to protect survivors from re-victimization and empower them to rebuild their lives.

Justice is another essential pillar of the national policy. Saudi Arabia is holding perpetrators accountable through a strict framework of criminal penalties and evidence-based investigations, while ensuring that victims have access to remedies, compensation and justice. Central to this effort is the principle of non-criminalization, ensuring that those who have suffered are not further penalized but instead supported in their recovery.

The fight against forced labor cannot succeed in isolation. Recognizing this, Saudi Arabia’s national policy places a strong emphasis on national, regional and international partnerships. Collaboration with civil society, the private sector, and international organizations — including the International Labour Organization — is vital to amplifying the impact of these efforts. By enabling knowledge exchange and aligning with best practices, Saudi Arabia aims to contribute meaningfully to global progress in eliminating forced labor.

The introduction of the National Policy for the Elimination of Forced Labor is part of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to combat forced labor and reflects the significant progress the Kingdom has made. The eradication of forced labor is not merely a policy goal; it is a cornerstone of the Kingdom’s broader commitment to building a labor market that is safe, fair, and provides opportunities to all.

• Sattam bin Amer Alharbi is the deputy minister for control and development of the work environment at the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development of Saudi Arabia.