Hand gripping a silk scarf with green undertones representing trafficking in Saudi Arabia
Hand gripping a silk scarf with green undertones representing trafficking in Saudi Arabia
Report
Aug 25, 2023

New HRF Report: Human Trafficking in Saudi Arabia

NEW YORK, NY (Aug. 25, 2023) — Today, the Human Rights Foundation (HRF) published a new report, “Saudi Arabia’s Human Trafficking Mechanisms,” as part of its ongoing series exploring the links between human trafficking and authoritarianism.

As indicated in past reports — “Authoritarianism and Trafficking in Persons: Annual Policy Brief” and “Authoritarianism and Trafficking in Persons: Policy Memo” — HRF has determined a clear connection between human trafficking and authoritarianism. This link can be attributed to the lack of government transparency, active civil society, and free press in countries under authoritarian rule.

According to the US Department of State’s Trafficking in Persons report, Saudi Arabia is ranked as a Tier 2 country, one which “does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking.” HRF’s new report investigates the role of the country’s strict labor law, kafala system, and male guardianship system in facilitating human trafficking. These systems create a cycle of oppression that exploits foreign workers and women, reinforcing the regime’s hold on power.

The report exposes the Saudi regime’s lack of protection for trafficking victims and inadequate punishments for perpetrators. It provides legal analysis, emphasizing the need for democratic reform to address human trafficking effectively. It also provides a conclusion on the report’s findings and policy recommendations to relevant stakeholders.


The Human Rights Foundation (HRF) is a nonpartisan nonprofit organization that promotes and protects human rights globally, with a focus on closed societies.

For media inquiries or interview requests, please contact [email protected].

Related Topics

Share

Latest Reports

You May Also Like

Report

HRF’s Weekly Financial Freedom Report #88

In Georgia, a Tbilisi court froze the bank accounts of seven major Georgian NGOs, accusing them of “sabotage” and “financing” protests under charges made possible by the country’s recently enacted…
Sep 4, 2025
Report

HRF’s Weekly Financial Freedom Report #87

In Russia, Vladimir Putin signed a new law allowing police to freeze citizens’ bank accounts for up to 10 days without a court order. While framed as an anti-fraud measure, the law gives police a fast and…
Aug 28, 2025
Report

HRF’s Weekly Financial Freedom Report #86

In Cuba, the peso’s parallel market rate increased to 400 pesos per US dollar, a record low reflecting a 94% devaluation in just a few years. High inflation, stagnant wages
Aug 21, 2025
Youthquake Report
Report

Youthquake: Youth-led Movements Shaking Up East and Southeast Asia

In recent years, youth across East and Southeast Asia, and around the world, have spearheaded the demand for democracy, justice, and freedom.
Aug 14, 2025

Empower Change With Your Donation

Join us in helping save lives and stand up to tyranny.

Follow Us

Stay informed about our work and discover ways to join the movement to protect democracy.

How can we help?

Hit enter to search or ESC to close

Join the cause by subscribing to our newsletter.

Email Us