CHALLENGES INFLUENCING THE OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY OF PAKISTANI MIGRANT WORKERS IN CONSTRUCTION SECTOR: A QUALITATIVE STUDY IN KSA, DUBAI AND OMAN

Abstract

The construction sector faces numerous accidents, injuries, and deaths, particularly among non-national or migrant workers. The migratory phenomenon has intensified, with the number of foreign migrants growing from 153 to 281 million individuals between 1990 and 2020. This qualitative study investigates the occupational health and safety challenges faced by Pakistani migrant workers in the construction sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Dubai, and Oman. The research uses semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with migrant workers, safety professionals, trainers, and site supervisors to explore multifaceted challenges such as legal status, cultural and language barriers, training effectiveness, working conditions, access to healthcare, pressure to breech safety regulations, and lack of awareness of host country norms and values. The findings reveal that despite economic opportunities, Pakistani migrant workers often face significant health and safety risks, exacerbated by insufficient safety training, language obstacles, and cultural misunderstandings. The study calls for comprehensive policy reforms, enhanced safety training programs, and improved legal protections to ensure the well-being of migrant workers.