The Goat Life is a film that starkly portrays the merciless reality faced by many migrant workers in Saudi Arabia. Through its harrowing story of Najeeb, who reveals himself in a nightmare after arriving in Saudi Arabia, the film provides a powerful statement about the exploitation and abuse done to these workers. This blog explores the similarities between Najeeb’s story and the real-life suffering of migrant people currently working in the country.
The Immigrant Experience: Initial Challenges
Najeeb’s arrival in Saudi Arabia is marked by immediate challenges – from the language barrier to the absence of his sponsor. This initial confusion and isolation is emblematic of the problems faced by many migrant workers who come to the United States hoping for a brighter future but find themselves in an uncertain scenario.
Migrant workers often face enormous challenges upon arrival, which include language barriers, lack of assistance, and ignorance of local laws and customs. This vulnerability leaves them open to exploitation and abuse, just like Najeeb in the film. The film captures the sense of alienation and powerlessness that many of the workers enjoy and builds the level of abuse that follows.
Exploitation and Abuse
In The Goat Life, Najeeb becomes a victim of fraud and ends up being subjected to severe abuse through a “fake sponsor”. His experiences reflect the wider problem of exploitation within the migrant labour machine. Many people are fooled by false guarantees and find themselves at the mercy of unscrupulous employers.
Exploitation is a huge problem for migrant workers in Saudi Arabia. Recruiters and sponsors often lie to workers with false promises of high wages and suitable operating situations, it is best to take advantage of them as soon as they arrive. The film’s portrayal of Najeeb’s victimization by con artists and his eventual abuse mirrors the real-life stories of many people who face comparable fraud and hardship.
Abusive Patronage and Power Dynamics
The film’s abusive “fake sponsor” represents a broader problem of the power dynamic in the sponsorship system. Najeeb revels in this sponsor—who controls his every move and makes his intense punishment difficult—highlighting the intense abuse of electricity that can occur.
In Saudi Arabia, the sponsorship system regularly places significant amounts of electricity in the hands of employers or sponsors. This power imbalance can cause serious abuse, as employers can maximally manipulate the visas and employment status of employees. Najeeb’s treatment underscores the need for reforms to ensure sponsors cannot use their energy to exploit employees.
The Process of Dehumanization
Najeeb’s transformation in the film—from a hopeful immigrant to a dehumanized parent living as a goat—illustrates the dehumanizing effect of excessive abuse and neglect. This transformation is a metaphor for the loss of identity and dignity experienced by many migrant workers.
The dehumanization shown in the film is a powerful statement about how some employers view migrant workers as mere property instead of people. Workers who are subjected to intense abuse and forget often experience a loss of identity and self-confidence, similar to Najeeb’s portrayal in the film. The harsh situations they experience reduce them to a land of despair and dehumanization.
Solving the Problem: The Need for Change
The brutal conditions depicted in The Goat Life – from extreme deprivation to physical abuse – highlight the urgent need for systemic change to defend migrants. The film’s portrait of Najeeb’s struggle serves as the title of the event to address the human rights violations faced by the workers.
Migrant workers in Saudi Arabia are regularly subjected to inhumane situations and have little recourse to redress their grievances. The film’s depiction of Najeeb’s situation underscores the need for reforms to improve workers’ living conditions, ensure fair treatment, and provide criminal protection. By addressing these issues, we can work to stop the abuse depicted in the film and ensure that everyone is treated with dignity and recognition.
Conclusion
The Goat Life provides an effective and disturbing portrayal of a migrant worker who revels in Saudi Arabia. Through Najeeb’s story, the film exposes the exploitation, abuse, and dehumanization faced by many workers and reflects real lifestyle issues that require urgent attention. By drawing parallels between Najeeb’s reviews and the wider struggle of migrant workers, the film highlights the need for systemic reforms to defend people and ensure their rights. It is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by migrant workers and the ongoing desire to advocate and propose ways to deal with these pressing issues.
