[whinenot]

Is the standard of living really much better in the Middle East than what Norway offers? I haven't seen any exposés on modern slavery in Norway like I have on the Middle East fiefdoms, but maybe those canny vikings are just better at hiding it?

[googlryas]

I think importantly, the slave-like people in eg Qatar are not Qataris, they're Filipinos, Indians, Bangladeshis, etc.

But, one wonders why a very rich society would need to resort to enslaving people in order to save a buck.

[avtar]

Greed.

Also, I’m not sure how much has changed since I left that part of the world, but for decades the blue collar workers (Filipinos, Indians, Pakistanis, etc.) were considered lower tier class in rich Gulf countries. Probably easier to exploit those who one feels are less deserving.

[jutrewag]

Also it’s a fraction of the Indian/Pakistanis etc. that are in a slave like situation. Almost all business owners are also Indian.

[ubercore]

I think the recently cancelled au pair system was as close as Norway got.

[whinenot]

I wasn't aware of the issue but after reading some news articles, it fully aligns with my impression of Norwegian living standards.