DR ‹ › The international human rights organization Human Rights Watch said on Wednesday that at least 50 Moroccan companies and hundreds of their workers have not been paid for renovation and maintenance work valued at no less than $5 million at a palace in Tangier owned by a Saudi prince. Representatives of the Moroccan companies said their attempts to secure payment have failed despite repeated assurances from two Saudi firms and palace representatives that outstanding dues would be settled. It remains unclear which entities bear ultimate responsibility for the non-payment. According to Human Rights Watch, in 2023 the office of Saudi Prince Turki bin Mohamed bin Fahd Al Saud, Minister of State, member of the Cabinet, and a relative of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, contracted two Saudi companies, Modern Building Leaders Company and Innovative Facilities and Services Management Company (IFAS), to carry out renovation and repair works at the palace in Tangier. The Saudi firms subsequently subcontracted at least 50 Moroccan companies. However, payments for labor, materials, and services reportedly stopped in October 2024, with arrears amounting to approximately $5 million. Human Rights Watch said it was unable to independently verify the figures. According to interviews and documents reviewed by the organization, the Saudi companies made partial payments to several subcontractors in January, April, and May. Michael Page, Deputy Director of the Middle East and North Africa division at Human Rights Watch, said: «It is unconscionable for Saudi companies overseeing a luxury palace project to drive Moroccan businesses and their workers to the verge of economic ruin. The complete disregard for the rights of hundreds of workers to be paid for their work, including through unfair contracting practices, should be urgently rectified».
