In recent years Qatar has taken a number of concrete steps to safeguard workers’ rights and introduced new laws to promote the cause. Qatar’s sincere and consistent steps, taken both by introducing new pieces of legislation and implementing them, regarding safeguarding workers’ rights have won international recognition at numerous occasions. Qatar abolished Kafala system, introduced law that means the majority of workers no longer need exit permits to leave the country.
It also announced procedures allowing workers to change employment freely, without requiring a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from their previous employer. Qatar also introduced a non-discriminatory minimum wage as well as announced establishment of 20 Qatar Visa Centres (QVCs) in India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Philippines and Tunisia, which will expedite the recruitment process and ensure workers do not get exploited in their home countries.
Qatar also established a Workers’ Support and Insurance Fund which ensures and provide care for workers, guarantee their rights and provide a healthy and safe working environment. Qatar’s reforms have been recognised by independent international organisations including UN bodies. A European Parliament delegation has lauded Qatar’s labour reforms terming them ‘real’ and a ‘model’ for regional countries. They also advised those individuals or entities who criticise Qatar on workers welfare to visit the country to have first hand information. They noted that Qatar has made a lot of progress in labour reforms and the fact was also being testified by many independent, international organisations like the ILO.
Marc Tarabella, Member of the European Parliament who is also Co-Chair of Sport Intergroup said that the progress on labour reforms in Qatar has happened in a short time and improved legislation like abolishing Kafala system.
“Also there are high standards of safety in place for workers, and implementation of minimum wages.” The parliamentarian said that reforms are “real” which can be seen and checked. “I will invite the European institutions to come and see. The ILO Office is here. Authorities are also open and ready to organise visits therefore people should see these reforms themselves.”
Tiziana Beghin, Member of the European Parliament who is also Member of Committee on International Trade said that she found great dignity at workers’ accommodations. She praised labour reforms including abolition of Kafala system and introduction of minimum salary terming them as “important milestones” in reforms journey. She said that these reforms will lead to greater equity and respect for human rights.
