They went to build the city of the future in Saudi Arabia. They’re returning home with nothing.
Summary
Thousands of Nepali workers employed in Saudi Arabia's Neom project are returning home due to halted construction and contract terminations, impacting remittances and livelihoods.
Key Points
- Approximately 80,000 Nepali workers were employed across various Neom project sites in Saudi Arabia.
- Construction on Neom's flagship project, The Line, was formally suspended due to budgetary constraints and geopolitical disruptions.
- Termination of contracts and workforce reductions have led to significant remittance loss for Nepal and economic hardship for workers.
- Saudi officials claim ongoing projects within Neom continue, but on-the-ground evidence suggests a major scaling back, causing widespread worker displacement.
