24/11/2020
HRW Qatar report highlights ongoing wage theft and lack of protections, despite promises | Migrant-Rights.org
“My workmates encourage me when I am at my lowest points. We understand the systematic challenges workers
experience daily. The government talks about reforming labor laws but most of it feels like it is only on paper. People
on the ground are really su ering and rogue employers are getting away with gross injustices. The class division is
stark in Qatar. The country is one of the richest in the world, but it was built and continues to run on the fuel of its
migrants. The exploitation and oppression have taken a mental and physical toll on us, but the resolve to improve our
lives keeps us going.”
Some of the recommendations put forward include:
Amend the labour law to guarantee workers’ right to strike, free association and collective bargaining, including
for migrant workers and domestic workers.
Amend the labor law to include domestic workers [and ensure they] receive the same protections as other workers.
Amend article 8 of Law no. 21 of 2015 regulating the entry and exit of expatriates and their residence to ensure that
the employee is not entirely dependent on the recruiter for a residency permit; and remove the language in article
8 providing the exception of in cases where the worker requests in writing that the employer keep their passport,
thus ensuring that workers do not have to hand over their passports to employers in any case whatsoever.
Decriminalize the act of “absconding” by amending article 11 of Law No. 4 of 2009. The employer should no longer
be allowed or required to le a case of “absconding” when a migrant worker chooses to leave their employment.
Employers who have placed false “absconding” charges should be denied from sponsoring visas for more migrant
workers. Repeal provisions from the Sponsorship Law that penalize those who shelter “absconding” workers.
Introduce and pass prompt payment legislation requiring all public-sector clients to pay the principal contractor
within 30 days of the valuation date. Include a requirement that interest is made compulsory and automatic on
late payment.
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Qatar
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On October 25, 2020
Qatar
HRW Qatar report highlights ongoing wage theft and lack of
protections, despite promises
https://www.migrant-rights.org/2020/08/hrw-qatar-report-highlights-ongoing-wage-theft-and-lack-of-protections-despite-promises/
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