Thanks to its rapid economic growth, Saudi Arabia has become home to more than nine million migrant workers, who came from different countries around the world to work in the Kingdom. But in the absence of enforced laws governing workers’ accommodation, this segment lacks a proper housing environment that would safeguard their rights and provide them with decent living.
The concept of workers’ model villages was created in order to tackle the issue of workers’ accommodation, eliminate randomness and implement relevant world-class standards. Although the concept is still new in the Kingdom, facing many challenges and difficulties, Anan Iskan, the first workers accommodation expert, has overcome these obstacles and started to address the problem and identify solutions. Anan Iskan has become Saudi Arabia’s top developer and facilities management expert of workers accommodation, providing workers with good living conditions and adhering to international standards. The company has undertaken the mission of accommodating and taking care of manpower, regardless of their numbers, assuring business owners that their workers enjoy a high level of comfort and good living that builds their trust.
An environmentally friendly company, Anan Iskan is committed to sustainability of resources, using best international practices at all operational levels. The firm has obtained certifications from leading international standardization organizations, covering all aspects of projects, including construction, maintenance, management and operation of facilities, catering services, and food safety management. Ensuring that all requirements for workers’ accommodation are provided, model villages are compounds with comprehensive services for residents, including primary health care and integrated housing and logistical services based on client requirements.
Workers’ model villages have proved ideal for providing good housing and living standards. They offer workers basic needs, giving them more time to rest and sleep and helping them regain their energy and vitality the next day -- which would upgrade their productivity.
One of the main challenges faced by some workers in Saudi Arabia is the absence of proper workers’ accommodation. Unenforced laws and a lack of awareness are the main reasons behind the poor accommodation of those workers. Based on that, developing adequate housing for workers has become necessary to replace the random buildings and deserted areas, which lack minimum safety and health requirements, posing risks to workers. International studies show that a suitable housing environment makes workers content and satisfied about their jobs, increase their productivity, enhance loyalty to their companies and give employers peace of mind.
Islam called for the good treatment of laborers and workers. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) sets an example as he was the best in fairly treating the young, old, rich and poor.