Netflix’s recent release, The Goat Life, has ignited a heated conversation surrounding the treatment of migrant workers in Saudi Arabia, particularly those caught in the abusive grip of the country’s controversial kafala system. Directed by Blessy Ipe Thomas and based on the 2008 bestseller Goat Days by Indian author Benyamin, the film dramatizes the real-life experiences of Najeeb Muhammed, an Indian migrant worker who endured years of isolation and forced labor as a goat herder in the Saudi desert.
At its core, The Goat Life is an exploration of a harrowing period in Najeeb’s life, beginning with his migration to Saudi Arabia in the early 1990s. Like many migrant workers, Najeeb traveled with hopes of securing a better future for his family. However, upon arrival, he was deceived by a fake sponsor and thrust into a nightmarish existence as a goat herder, isolated in the desert for three long years with no escape. His story highlights the vulnerability of migrant workers under the kafala system—a labor framework that grants sponsors disproportionate power over their employees, often leading to exploitation and abuse.
Upon its release, The Goat Life garnered widespread attention. While it has topped Netflix charts and received critical acclaim globally, the film’s Arabic translation, released in August, sparked significant backlash in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations. Many Saudis took to social media, accusing the film of “exaggerating” an isolated incident and unfairly portraying Saudi culture. Saudi nationals have called for a boycott of Netflix, arguing that the film paints a negative and outdated picture of the nation’s treatment of migrant workers.
However, the film’s supporters argue that the abuses portrayed in the film are reflective of a deeper, systemic issue that persists within Saudi Arabia’s labor governance system. Despite the film focusing on events from the 1990s, many of the abuses shown—including wage theft, human trafficking, and physical isolation—are still realities for some of the nation’s most vulnerable workers today. These abuses are not isolated incidents but rather a result of the structural inequalities perpetuated by the kafala system.
Saudi Arabia’s global aspirations, including its Vision 2030 agenda and the recent submission of a bid to host the 2034 FIFA Men’s World Cup, are predicated on massive infrastructure projects—projects that will rely heavily on migrant labor. For the kingdom to achieve its ambitious goals while also safeguarding its international reputation, bold labor reforms must be a priority. Stories like Najeeb’s expose the gaps in labor protections and raise important questions about the rights and dignity of migrant workers who contribute so much to Saudi Arabia’s development.
Some Saudi critics have tried to dismiss The Goat Life as a form of slander or as an exaggerated portrayal of an isolated case. But attempts to downplay these stories or dismiss the film as offensive fail to address the core issue: the exploitation of migrant workers continues to be a widespread problem. The abuses enabled by the kafala system are not just relics of the past—they are part of a labor framework that remains in place today.
The debate ignited by The Goat Life underscores the need for urgent reform. In a world where millions of migrant workers continue to face similar fates to Najeeb, The Goat Life is a timely reminder of the human cost of unchecked power imbalances. The global conversation sparked by The Goat Life may be uncomfortable for some, but it is essential for ensuring that future generations of migrant workers are not subjected to the same abuses. As the world watches Saudi Arabia’s progress, it must also hold the kingdom accountable for the treatment of those who are building its future.