Human Rights Watch Remarks to European Parliament Trade Committee on EU-Gulf relations

Human Rights Watch Remarks to European Parliament Trade Committee on EU-Gulf Relations

As negotiations advance and partnerships develop with the GCC, the EU deserves constructive criticism, and we hope this will happen. To view the videotaped remarks, please click here.

Introduction

Good morning, distinguished Members of the Trade Committee. My name is Joey Shea, and I am Human Rights Watch’s researcher on Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Due to time constraints, I cannot detail the human rights records of each GCC country, which vary considerably. Instead, I will focus on common issues regarding labor rights and repression of dissent, provide specific examples, and conclude with recommendations for the EU and this Parliament to address these abuses in ongoing trade and partnership negotiations.

Labor Rights Violations in the GCC

Human Rights Watch has documented widespread labor rights violations affecting migrant workers in all six GCC countries. The kafala, or labor sponsorship system, ties migrant workers' visas to their employers, exposing them to wage withholding, exploitation, and forced labor conditions.

Migrant workers are often prohibited or restricted from joining trade unions.
They face barriers to collective bargaining and striking.
These systemic labor abuses are deeply embedded and effectively official policy in the Gulf economies.

Repression of Dissent

Aside from labor rights, the GCC countries also suppress dissent, limiting political freedoms and expression, though specifics were not detailed in this brief.

Recommendations for the EU

The EU, including this Parliament, must use ongoing trade and partnership agreements as platforms to address these human rights violations, pressing for reforms protecting workers and upholding civil liberties.

“Systemic labor violations are effectively state policy in the Gulf countries and are deeply entrenched within the economies of the region.”

Author's summary: Human Rights Watch urges the EU to confront entrenched labor abuses and repression across GCC states by leveraging trade talks to promote meaningful reforms and protections.

Human Rights Watch — 2025-11-05