Qatar has been making steady progress in protecting the rights of migrant workers and ensuring their welfare by providing them with all amenities such as healthcare, entertainment, better living and work environment.
Appreciations for such efforts were pouring in from different international organisations concerned with the rights of workers and the latest one came from none other than the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC).
The ITUC Secretary-General, Sharon Burrow, said, while praising the measures taken by the State of Qatar in the field of labour welfare and the continuous progress in the development of legislation aimed at this crucial section of the society, that the State of Qatar has become one of the leading countries in the Gulf to promote workers’ interests and provide their needs. Her call to other Gulf countries to follow what Qatar is doing is a standing ovation for the authorities of the country.
She also hailed the different laws enacted by Qatar for the benefit of workers and wholeheartedly welcomed the decision to open offices in labour-exporting countries, stressing that the move will help reduce exploitation of workers and illegal practices of some employment offices. She said the government is working to monitor the implementation of the procedures and mechanisms that it had developed and is cooperating with the International Labour Organisation.
The authorities in Qatar are well aware that making changes and bringing in new legislation will not be a panacea for the well-being of the guest workers. Keeping this in mind the country is introducing new measures to ensure these guests are on an equal footing with others by making modern technological advancements available to them.
The Minister of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs H E Dr Issa bin Saad Al Jafali Al Nuaimi recently opened the 750th Better Connection ICT facility at the workers’ residence at the Labour City Accommodation in Asian Town. The country is planning to open another 750 of such facilities, aimed at giving access to modern communication methods to the workers. This will also help them get a better knowledge of labour rights and labour laws and will allow them to keep in regular touch with their loved ones back in their home countries.
These facilities are equipped with computers and Internet connections and special trainers are at hand to hone the technological skills of the workers.
Qatar is treading the path of modernisation in a fast-paced manner and the country is taking along all the communities and segments of the society in this march. Nobody is discriminated against in the stride to the pinnacle of development and the guest workers are being given an exceptional participation by imparting tailor-made training and facilities.
These initiatives are attracting world-wide acclaim, which in turn boost the confidence of the authorities and inspire them to find newer ways to make this glorious country a true haven for workers.
