Engagement with the construction sector in the Arab States

The construction sector in the Arab States is dominated by migrant workers from Asia and Africa. These workers face a number of decent work deficits in relation to flawed recruitment, working and living conditions, occupational safety and health, access to justice and effective dispute resolution, and opportunities to have their voice heard. These factors leave migrant construction workers vulnerable to labour exploitation (including forced labour).

Monitoring conditions of work within the construction sector is complicated by the layers of contracting and subcontracting down the supply chain, and the myriad of actors involved in large-scale construction projects – from the client to consultants and principal contractors.

To build a strong, resilient and fair construction sector across the Arab States, the ILO FAIRWAY project engages with the private sector to support their adherence to international standards and principles. The FAIRWAY project provides technical support to bring government and private sector together to discuss good practices on ethical standards for securing decent work for migrant construction workers. This engagement is guided by the tripartite declaration of principles concerning multinational enterprises and social policy (MNE Declaration); the General principles and operational guidelines for fair recruitment; and the UN Guiding Principles of Business and Human Rights.

In 1Q 2019, FAIRWAY will publish the Guidance Tool on Worker Welfare for Construction Companies in the Middle East.