The whole world is praising Qatar. This time for announcing a new set of reforms meant to protect workers’ rights. No doubt, Qatar has become a pioneer in the region when it comes to safeguarding the rights of all humans including the workers.
In recent years, Qatar has introduced a number of legislative reforms to protect and promote the rights of migrant workers and country’s efforts in this direction are still continuing. Minister of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs, H E Yousuf Mohamed Al Othman Fakhroo, recently announced that the State Cabinet approved a draft law on minimum wages.
The State Cabinet also approved a draft law to make rules to ease transfer of workforce to other employer during contract period to ensure the rights of both employer and employee. H E Yousuf Mohamed Al Othman Fakhroo made these announcements while addressing a ceremony to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the International Labour Organisation (ILO).
The Minister said the Cabinet approved another draft law to end exit permit for those who are not subject to the provisions of Qatar’s Labour Law and domestic workers and these laws will come into effect immediately after completion of (remaining) legislation process.
For the welfare of workers, the Minister said that Qatar made a number of new laws and upgraded the existing ones during past few years to build a suitable work environment based on work contract.
The new legislation included Wage Protection System; Labour Disputes Settlement Committee; Workers’ Support and Insurance Fund; Law Regulating Entry, Exit and Residency of the Expatriates and National Committee for Combating Human Trafficking.
The announcement regarding Cabinet’s approval of a set of legislative reforms for the protection of workers’ rights not only warmly welcomed and appreciated by the migrant workers but also international organizations are lauding Qatar’s initiative.
The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has welcomed the comprehensive reforms announced by the State of Qatar, aimed at ending Kafala system and setting an important step forward in supporting the rights of migrant workers. In a statement released by the United Nations News Center, ILO said that the combined steps marked the end of Kafala system in the country.
The ILO Director-General Guy Ryder said that these steps will greatly support the rights of migrant workers, while contributing to a more efficient and productive economy.
The ILO said that these reforms are part of the ILO and the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs cooperation agreement signed in 2017, which resulted in the opening of an ILO Project Office in Doha in April 2018.
The new labour reforms have also gained praise from the diplomatic community in Qatar.
