19/10/2020
‘We’ve been suffering for a long time’: Migrant workers struggle as company delays payments for almost a year - Doha News
Government’s response
To understand the situation more and the status of the workers’ complaints, Doha News
reached out to the Government Communications O
ce (GCO) regarding the matter.
According to the GCO, The Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social
A airs (MADLSA) investigated the company in cooperation with the relevant authorities.
The MADLSA found that the company did in fact commit several violations of the Labour
Law related to salary settlements.
Following the complaints, the company was immediately placed on MADLSA’s list of
banned establishments and legal proceedings were launched. Since then, the company has
begun disbursing outstanding salaries, but the settlement of the remaining cases is
ongoing.
The GCO said that ITCC also registered to secure a loan through the programme
administered by Qatar Development Bank (QDB) to cover salaries and living expenses of
employees.
“MADLSA reminds all businesses that the Government has issued clear instructions on
their legal obligations,” the GCO told Doha News.
MADLSA has allocated resources to upgrade the Wage Protection System and strengthen
the capacity of inspectors to ensure the early detection and quicker settlement of wagerelated violations.
Read also: One year jail, QR 10,000 ne for companies that fail to pay minimum wage
Qatar’s labour laws
The issue the workers have been dealing with also violates the newly reformed labour laws,
which were praised by many international organisations, including the International
Labour Organisation (ILLO).
In August’s reforms, Qatar’s government also imposed strict payment laws that require
employers to pay their workers a minimum wage of QAR 1,000, in addition to a housing
allowance of QR 500 and food allowance of QR 300—bringing the total to QR 1,800.
Violators will face imprisonment for a period of six months and a ne of no less than
QR2,000 and no more than QR100,000 per employee. In cases of repeated violations,
penalties will be increased.
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