Lack of information about labour mobility is also an important obstacle to changing jobs. With less than four years until the World Cup kicks off, and more than a year since the ILO agreement was signed, it is essential that the Qatari authorities accelerate their efforts to truly transform the protections available to their migrant worker population. They said they hoped to introduce "a system based on employment contracts" as part of a reform package. The Procedures and regulations must be clarified, so that they are well understood by all workers and employers, who could then benefit from the reforms. Donna worked for a cleaning company for almost three years before deciding on a change of careers. reporting by the Guardians Pete Pattisson. Pattisson, Pete. Migrant workers already dominate Qatar's labor force, comprising 94 percent of all workers and 86 percent of the country's total population of nearly 2 million the world's highest ratio of migrants to citizens. Qatar Quarantine 2023: Rules, Updates, Requirements & More 1275 K St. NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20005 | ph. Established a Workers Support and Insurance Fund which will ensure and provide care for workers, guarantee their rights and provide a healthy and safe working environment. For the last 12 years the Guardian has been reporting on the issues surrounding Qatar2022, from corruption and human rights abuses to thetreatment of migrant workers and discriminatory laws. Mostly men, a large percentage come from the Philippines and south Asian countries including India, Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh. Airplane*. I thought the new laws were there to help us. With ILOs support, Qatars Ministry of Labour is increasing the number of joint committees and building their capacity for dialogue within sectors such as transport, construction and hospitality. With less than four years until the 2022 FIFA World Cup kicks off in front of 86,000 fans at the Lusail Stadium, and billions watching across the world, Qatars record on migrant workers rights remain firmly in the spotlight. Building a Better World Cup: Protecting Migrant Workers in Qatar Ahead of FIFA 2022. Ahead of the #Qatar2022 FIFA World Cup, too many workers face wage abuse, debt and hunger. In line with international standards, data, including on the cost of living, should be collected for a review of the minimum wage. Concerns about LGBT rights, forced labor and unsafe conditions also marred the previous World Cup, in Russia in 2018. Replacing thenotoriously ineffective labour courts, the Committees were one of the most encouraging steps in Qatars labour reforms; promising to resolve their complaints and give workers a legally enforceable judgement within six weeks. Rules For the last 12 years the Guardian has been reporting on the issues surrounding Qatar 2022, from corruption and human rights abuses to the treatment of While these standards have led to some real improvements, they are not universally respected. Available online. Over 350,000 applications to change jobs have been approved in the two years following the introduction of new legislation, with positive outcomes for Qatars economy as a whole. As soon as my resignation was sent, my manager called me and said the sponsor is angry, will cancel my visa and force me to go back to my country, Shayne told Al Jazeera. Qatars Minimum Wage Commission should consult with workers and employers representatives to periodically review and propose adjustments to the minimum wage. Available online. May 6th 2021 I N MOST COUNTRIES a workers best bargaining tool is the ability to say: Take this job and shove it. Knowing staff can go elsewhere gives The German cabinet approved plans to attract skilled foreign workers and combat labor shortages last year, and unveiled draft legislation at the end of March this year. By using our website, you consent to the use of cookies. More than 180 migrant workers died in Qatar last year and a significant number are believed to have suffered injuries as a result of unsafe working practices. News reporting on work-related injuries and deaths has varied, raising questions around the real number of occupational accidents in the country. Human rights groups have long urged Qatar to scrap the sponsorship system, saying it leaves workers open to exploitation and abuse. Supported by the ILO, and encouraged by its partners, the Government of Qatar should: Responsibilities and solutions do not only lie with the Qatari government. The official count among workers on World Cup sites is 37 non-work related deaths and only three from work-related accidents but many believe that is a vast undercount. workers The death records were not categorised by occupation or place of work. On October 12, 2022, U.S. President Joe Bidens administration released the 2022 National Security Strategy (NSS). 2013. The Qatari government has argued that the mortality rate among these communities is within the expected range for the size and demographics of the population. But statistics show that a large number of young or middle-aged men from Nepal, who would have undergone health checks before being allowed to enter Qatar, have died from heart problems. What Role Can Immigration Play in Addressing Current and Future Labor Shortages? This growth is explained by the establishment of a new online platform for workers to submit complaints. Grievance mechanisms can be difficult to navigate, and workers need more guidance on the required documentation and issues such as how to prepare for court hearings. Qatar Reveals New Foreign Worker Reforms Ahead of 2022 FIFA He borrowed money to pay a recruitment fee then earned the equivalent of a dollar a day. Available online. Qatar 2013. The online system was not able to handle the upsurge in requests and there was not enough consultation and conversation with businesses to allay their fears, added Saraswathi. Six months after Qatar abolished the need for an NOC to switch jobs, migrant workers tell Al Jazeera of The Sporting News is on hand to explain the rules regarding changes at this year's Qatar tournament. Labour Rights Legacy of the FIFA World Cup Migrant Workers Who Built Qatars World Cup Infrastructure Deserve, Need Compensation Published in: Nepali Times A fund established by the Governmenthas disbursed US$350 million to workers since 2019, demonstrating the scale of wage abuses. There is, of course, substance to the criticism. This is also the case of Qatar. 95 of 2019 further allows domestic workers to leave the country without first obtaining permission from their employers. Announced procedures allowing workers to change employment freely, without requiring a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from their previous employer. What has changed for migrant workers in Qatar? Its sponsorship system remains a serious stain on Qatar's international reputation. Beyond the spotlight of the World Cup and Qatars broader construction boom, the countrys domestic workers also remain acutely vulnerable to abuse and excluded from some key protections and reforms. This decree will allow workers in companies with 30 or more employees to elect their own representatives. Between October 2021 and October 2022, 67% of the complaints were resolved before or at the conciliation stage, with the remainder referred to newly created labour courts. Qatar Labour Law: Important Things To Know (2023) - Doha Guides Labour policy is a complex issue and one that cannot be solved overnight. Reality Check: Migrant Workers Rights with Four Years to Qatar Non-payment of wages was already a huge problem and, through the pandemic, thousands of workers were desperate to change jobs. Video, Designer can refuse gay couples, top US court says, Florida murder suspect arrested after 40 years, Rescuers amputate leg of woman stuck in travelator. The shock decision sparked a frenzy of construction in the wealthy nation, which this year became the planets biggest exporter of liquefied natural gas. Building and Wood Workers' International. MPI policy analysts assess the top trends, developments, and challenges of the year. 2013. Rules Copyright 2001-2023 Migration Policy Institute. His death was classed as heart failure, natural causes. Read about our approach to external linking. Advancing social justice, promoting decent work, ILO is a specialized agency of the United Nations, a report presenting the most comprehensive data available on the issue, more information about ILO's work in Qatar. These developments in the run-up to 2022 could well have repercussions that extend beyond Qatar and the World Cup. Today, the time workers wait between the submission of a complaint and receipt of due wages and benefits can still take several months. The high profile of the tournament has drawn attention to Qatars dubious human rights record, including its hostility towards LGBT people, and the dangerous and exploitative conditions faced by the vast numbers of migrant workers who have built the infrastructure. The fund protects workers from the impact of overdue or unpaid wages in instances where the employer has gone out of business or been forced to close due to illegal activity. This will ensure that workers and their family members receive due compensation in case of occupational injuries. for foreign The ILO report states that falls from height and road traffic accidents were the leading causes of severe injuries. Foreign workers in Qatar get some basic rights - The Economist Qatar: Hundreds of migrant workers employed as security guards In addition to building the skills of the conciliation staff, there are plans to design standard operating procedures and to monitor efficiency of the grievance mechanisms. Migrant workers make up 95% of #Qatars labor force, without them the country would come to a halt. In April 2019, His Excellency Mr Yousuf Mohamed Al Othman Fakhroo, the Minister of Administrative Development Labour and Social Affairs signed a decree regulating the conditions and procedures for the election of worker representatives in Joint Committees. Explore the big challenges, opportunities, debates and frameworks for business and human rights. Reality Check: The State of Migrant Workers Rights with Four Years to Go Until the Qatar 2022 World Cup. All of this serves to harass workers and discourage others from changing jobs.. The ITUC warned in September that 4,000 construction workers would die by 2022 if the Qatari government does not introduce meaningful reforms to improve the welfare of migrant workers. A Qatari government spokesperson told Al Jazeera in a statement that the reforms have transformed the labour market. Looking for a new challenge, and a higher salary due to the increasing needs of her family back home, Shayne decided to resign in December last year and look for a new job. South African Court Rules Canceling Zimbabwe Permit as Unlawful 95 of 2019 was issued, indicating that with immediate effect, exit permits have been removed for all expatriates who are not subject to Qatars Labour Law. The first Middle Eastern country to host the World Cup finals, Qatar has spent anywhere from $220bn-$300bn on infrastructure projects as it uses the globes biggest sporting event as a catalyst for nation-building. In 2015, the State of Qatar issued Law No. Qatar has made significant achievements in terms of workers rights and work conditions in coordination with the International Labour Organization.His Highness the Amir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, September 2019. Qatar Foundation Releases Standards for Migrant Workers. In addition, domestic workers face specific challenges in availing of their rights on wage protection and labour mobility, an issue that requires further attention. Qatar announced Monday it is introducing long-expected reforms to policies governing its vast Available online. While other countries are trying to restrict migration, the German parliament has passed a radical new law to attract migrant workers to Germany. Crepeau recommended that Qatar allow migrant workers to form unions and adopt legislation to protect labor rights. Under no circumstances should companies take advantage of the flaws in Qatars labour system to exploit workers. They have transformed the labour market, the statement added. UN official: Qatar should scrap kafala, enforce existing labor laws. As of November The non-discriminatory minimum wage is the first law of its kind in the region. The population of Qatar is about three million, roughly 88% of whom are foreign citizens. Privately Owned Vehicle (POV) Mileage Reimbursement Rates Revealed: Qatar's World Cup 'slaves.' Announced the 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. Two dead as man opens fire at Moldova airport, Finland minister resigns over Nazi references. None of the workers wanted to name their employers for fear of reprisal but some have reported them to Qatars labour ministry. Social dialogue has taken various forms, and new legislation has led to the establishment of joint worker-management committees at the enterprise level. 17 of 2018 to establish the Workers Support and Insurance Fund. This is why, jointly with the government, we are constantly engaging with workers and employers and receiving feedback on the implementation of the new procedures.. Given its vast financial resources and highly developed governmental institutions, the Qatari government is more than capable of initiating and sustaining the comprehensive reforms needed to effect real change. The office will support implementation of a comprehensive technical cooperation programme on working conditions and labour rights in Qatar. WebOver the past few years, Qatar has taken steps to improve workers access to justice. Among the ILO top priorities, theres the need to: Beyond the World Cup, the ILO will continue to work with the Government, workers and employers to further support the alignment of Qatars laws and practices with international labour standards. Most notably Qatar has: Qatars reforms have been recognised by major human rights groups and UN organisations. STATE OF QATAR Workers in Qatar previously required permission from their employers to change jobs one of the most problematic elements of the kafala system that made workers overly dependent on their employers and created situations of labour exploitation. Sheikh Thani also said that since Qatar won 2022 FIFA World Cup bid, some foreign newspapers and human rights organizations started to attack Qatar on the pretext Employees will be able to terminate their contract providing at least one months written notice if they have worked with the employer for two years or less, or two months notice if they have worked with the employer for over two years. In August 2020, Qatar announced landmark changes to the labour law, including scrapping the need for an NOC. She was told she would be sent back home without her dues pending salary and end-of-service benefits for the seven years of service. Following the changes to the kafala system in 2020, workers can now change jobs at any time, after a notice period of up to two months. How is the ILO programme in Qatar assessed? Fundamentally reform the kafala system: allow all migrant workers to change jobs without their employers permission, decriminalise the charge of absconding, extend the abolition of the exit permit to all workers, and enforce the ban on passport confiscation. More than 174,000 domestic workers are employed in private households in Qatar. The Government of the State of Qatar has implemented major labour reforms in the past few years, including: In March 2021, Qatar introduced a minimum wage of QAR 1,000, which applies to all employees across all sectors in Qatar, including domestic workers. It has also partially reformed the Kafala system without completely abolishing it, ending the exit permit requirement for most workers, meaning those benefiting should now be able to leave the country without their employers permission. In March 2018, Qatar established the Committees for the Settlement of Labour Disputes (Committees). This section contains a selection of key portals curated by our global team. The 2013 World Economic Forum's Global Competitiveness Report also ranks Qatar as the most competitive economy in the Middle East and 13th worldwide. Some of my friends are now sitting in their country after the sponsor cancelled their visa and sent them back home because they wanted to switch jobs. Before the labour reforms, platforms for dialogue between workers and management were extremely limited. The Qatari government appointed the law firm DLA Piper to independently probe claims of exploitation of migrants working in World Cup-related construction projects. Whether a worker-management committee within a company is created or not is still up to the companies to decide by themselves. Qatar Visa Centres will be located in India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Philippines and Tunisia. Hend al-Muftah, member of the Shura Council, said while it was important to protect the workers rights, it was also important to protect the rights of the businesses. A 24/7 hotline has been set-up for workers and 11 electronic kiosks have been set-up in locations across Qatar (operating in 11 languages) for workers to file anonymous complaints. Employees will no longer require No-Objection Certificates to terminate their contracts. Qatar: Foreign worker restrictions 'to be eased' - BBC She has not received a salary increment during this period and her pay was less than what was in the contract she signed in the Philippines before travelling to Qatar. Geneva: World Economic Forum. While Qatar has finally begun a high-profile reform process promising to tackle widespread labour exploitation and align its laws and practices with international labour standards, workers still continue to be vulnerable to serious abuses including forced labour and restrictions on freedom of movement. Effective/Applicability Date. Her story is one of many Al Jazeera encountered when speaking to migrant workers who have recently tried to switch jobs. Shortly before the tournament the Fifa president, Gianni Infantino, urged teams to focus on the football. Overall, 15,021 non-Qataris died in the country between 2010 and 2019, according to the government. The ILO report One is too many found that at least 50 workers had lost their lives in 2020 and just over 500 were severely injured. 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Qatars labour ministry has maintained it welcomes workers lodging their complaints, but most of the workers Al Jazeera spoke to said they refrained for fear of repercussions including abscondment cases from their employers, having witnessed several examples of the power imbalance first-hand. Qatar 2013. We are fully behind the government and having rules and regulations but it shouldnt come at the expense of businesses suffering. Kafala system required foreign workers to obtain their employers Business & Human Rights Resource Centre Registered Charity in England & Wales no. His Excellency Yousuf Mohamed Al Othman Fakhroo, the Minister of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs announced that a Minimum Wage Committee will be formed and tasked with the continued review and examination of the minimum wage of employees and domestic workers. This story is also available in the following languages: How workers are being protected from heat stress.