Carrefour Faces Accusations of Labor Exploitation in Saudi Arabia

Carrefour has faced allegations of labor exploitation in its Saudi Arabian franchise, prompting an internal investigation and external review.

Amnesty International’s report detailed the mistreatment of migrant workers, including forced labor, wage theft, and inhumane living conditions.

Amnesty’s findings were based on interviews with 17 workers recruited from India, Nepal, and Pakistan to work in Carrefour stores operated by Majid Al Futtaim (MAF), the French retailer’s Middle East franchisee. The report highlighted the deceptive recruitment practices employed by agents and the severe exploitation faced by the workers.

Carrefour acknowledged the allegations and stated that discussions had taken place with Amnesty earlier this year. While the company’s preliminary investigation did not confirm all of the allegations, it did identify issues related to housing, training, and work hour accounting.

In response, Carrefour announced the appointment of an external expert to review the human rights situation within its operations. This review will assess the company’s compliance with labor standards and identify areas for improvement.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources reiterated its zero-tolerance policy for worker abuse, stating that such allegations are thoroughly investigated. The ministry emphasized its collaboration with the governments of migrant workers’ home countries to combat abusive recruitment practices. However, the ministry did not specifically address the allegations against Carrefour.

The allegations against Carrefour raise concerns about the company’s responsibility to ensure ethical labor practices across its global operations. It is crucial for Carrefour to take decisive action to address the issues raised by Amnesty International and protect the rights of its workers.