Qatar by introducing and executing landmark reforms meant to safeguard rights and welfare of migrant workers has become a role model in the region. In fact, Qatar is setting new standards in the region sooner or later to be followed by other regional countries.
The last week saw two major steps taken to fully protect the rights and welfare of expatriate workers. The first step was the implementation of amended law controlling the entry and exit of expatriates while the second development was the issuance of law pertaining to workers support and insurance. Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani issued Law No. 17 of 2018 establishing the Workers’ Support and Insurance Fund a few days ago. According to the provisions of the law, a fund under the name ‘Workers’ Support and Insurance Fund’ shall be established and will be a legal entity with independent mandate, and shall be under the jurisdiction of the Cabinet.
The fund aims to support, ensure and provide care for workers, guarantee their rights and provide a healthy and safe working environment for them. The fund also aims to provide sustainable financial resources for the support and insurance of workers and pay the workers’ dues ordered by dispute resolution committees before collecting the expenses from the employer.
Amnesty International, the renowned international human rights organisation, has welcomed Qatar’s new law establishing the Workers’ Support and Insurance Fund. “This fund brings hope to hundreds of migrant workers in Qatar. This is a welcome step towards meeting Qatar’s promises to improve the labour rights of its workforce,” said Steve Cockburn, Deputy Director of global issues at Amnesty.
Meanwhile on October 28, the Ministry of the Interior announced that the exit permit was no more required for those covered under the Labour Law. The Ministry started applying the amendment to Article No. 7, Law No. 21 of 2015 concerning the end of exit permit for migrant workers covered by the Labour Law.
The Ministry also said that the expatriate workers, who are unable to leave the country for any reason, can approach the Expatriate Exit Grievance Committee, which will look into the complaint and take a decision within three working days. Under new exit law issued in the first week of September 2018, only five percent of employees of any company which work on sensitive, financial positions need exit permit to leave the country.
This law was received with praise by ILO and other international rights organizations. “The ILO welcomes the enactment of Law No. 13, which will have a direct and positive impact on the lives of migrant workers in Qatar.
This first step towards full suppression of exit permits is a clear sign of commitment by the Government of Qatar to labour reforms and a key milestone in the process,” Houtan Homayounpour, the Head of the ILO Project Office for the State of Qatar had said after issuance of the law.
