Qatar’s commitment to and concern about its workforce have won international praise on several occasions, the latest of which was on Monday. On the occasion of the International Workers’ Day, Qatar’s Ministry of Administrative Development, Labor and Social Affairs (MADSLA) organised a remote meeting with the expatriate community leaders in the state and several international trade union leaders. Unions such as Building and Wood Workers International (BWI), International Domestic Workers Federation (IDWF), International Transport Federation (ITF), UNI Global Union and the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) participated in the meeting.
During the forum, Mohamed Hassan Al Obaidli, Assistant Undersecretary at the MADSLA, explained the elaborate measures taken by the country to ensure the welfare of the workers, especially during this unprecedented times of worldwide crisis. The leaders of the organisations were unison in acknowledging Qatar’s efforts in the field of workers’ safety at the workplace and even at their accommodations.
Al Obaidli reiterated Qatar’s concern about its guest workers, saying: “Time and again, Amir H H Sheikh Tamin bin Hamad Al Thani, issues statements and directives to the entire government of Qatar to ensure that decent work is upheld in our country. Time and again, we express our deepest gratitude for the migrant workers who have helped and continue to help build our country. The government of Qatar is not leaving any stone unturned to ensure that workers are protected as much as possible from the ill effects of this crisis.”
BWI General Secretary Ambet Yuson, addressing the workers, said that the “Ministry of Labour and the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy are doing their best to ensure your health and safety to make sure your wages and benefits are paid.”
Regionally, in many other countries, thousands of workers are feeling the pinch of the crisis brought about by the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). They are already demanding repatriation to their home countries, because of the difficulties they face in their host countries, lack of tests to detect COVID-19, pathetic situations at the so-called quarantine facilities and crowded labour camps which have suddenly become a threat to their lives.
But in Qatar there were no complaints about anything as everybody is provided with all the amenities whether they are allowed to work or sit at homes or accommodations. The world-class healthcare the country offers is available free of cost for everybody and the authorities are ensuring the supply of food and other essentials reach those who need it in time. The country is turning every crisis into an opportunity to provide better treatment and facilities to the people irrespective of their status, making itself a model for others to follow.
