Amnesty International Report on Qatar's Migrant Workers

The US-Qatar Business Council wishes to bring to your attention the recent Amnesty International report “Promising Little, Delivering Less” on the condition of migrant workers in Qatar and the comments on that report from the Qatar's Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs and from the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy.  The US-Qatar Business Council notes that the Qatari Government is the only government in the region that has acknowledged shortcomings in the treatment of migrant workers in the country and has committed itself to making major reforms. In the process, the Qatari Government and private institutions have welcomed the assistance of many non-governmental humanitarian organizations, especially Amnesty International, in finding solutions. From the Council's viewpoint, the problems in Qatar, as in other regional states, have a long history and their solution requires a massive restructuring of seven decades of legislation and an even longer period of practices that began as an attempt to protect local businesses when these economies were in their infancy. Reforms have begun, as the report notes, but we believe the report indicates an understandable impatience on the part of Amnesty International. Moreover, fairness and objectivity require that the Qatari commentary be considered alongside the Report. Additionally, in April, the Emir approved new amendments to Qatar's labor laws, continuing a legislative effort to improve the conditions and rights for laborers (See http://www.usqbc.org/?p=1220). To read the report please visit https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/MDE22/1570/2015/en/.

Response by the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs to Amnesty International report entitled “Promising Little, Delivering Less"

  The Government of the State of Qatar firmly believes that the promotion and protection of human rights, including the rights of expatriate workers, constitutes a strategic choice, and the backbone of the comprehensive constitutional, economic, social and cultural reform policy of the State of Qatar. The Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (MOLSA) appreciates the work and effort involved in this latest report on the State of Qatar by Amnesty International, but we disagree with a number of its claims. Significant changes have been made over the last year to improve the rights and conditions of expatriate workers. MOLSA has launched the Wage Protection System (WPS), an electronic payment system to ensure wages are paid on time. It has also strengthened the capacity of labour inspectors, which today total 294 inspectors, with the aim of reaching 400 by the end of 2015. Last year there were 51,000 inspection visits made using GPS systems, and appropriate technology has also been provided to ensure inspection reports can be instantly filed electronically. MOLSA has continued to clamp down on companies and recruitment offices breaking our laws with fines and penalties. Those recruitment offices outside the boarders of The State of Qatar who exploit and violate our laws have been banned to recruit for companies and recruitment offices within the State of Qatar New accommodation for more than a quarter of a million workers is being built across Qatar, to the highest standards. MOLSA has also installed new electronic complaints systems, in seven languages throughout the country to ensure that all complaints reach the Ministry electronically. Furthermore Any complaints from Nepalese workers unable to return home to their families would be treated with the utmost respect and urgency. The majority of workers who come to Qatar earn considerably more than they would at home, collectively transferring more than 12 billion dollars (2014) in wages back to their home economies. For those who suffer poor treatment, MOLSA works to ensure that they receive all the support they need to improve their situation and that any company mistreating workers is sanctioned. Regretfully some reports fail to outline this progress and do not provide a full picture of the issue. This issue is not only the concern of the Gulf region but also of many other countries. We are all dealing with the unique challenges brought about by rapid economic growth and the high population of expatriate workers seeking better opportunities. Qatar aims to be a regional leader, driving change and improvement of standards across the region. MOLSA has always welcomed and been open to a range of viewpoints and ideas. No one should be in any doubt that we are committed to effective and sustainable change. MOLSA will continue working closely with NGOs, international organisations and the business community to deliver this commitment. For more information about the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, please visit:http://portal.www.gov.qa/wps/portal/directory/agency/ministryoflaborandsocialaffairs.

Statement from the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy in Response to Amnesty International’s “Promising Little, Delivery Less”

With regards to the issue raised in the report of Nepali workers facing difficulty obtaining permission from their employers to return home following the 25 April earthquake, we would like to highlight the SC and the contractors helping build the stadiums for the 2022 FIFA World Cup quickly came to the aid of workers affected by the devastating earthquakes. Funds were raised by SC staff to help the 500 Nepalese workers spread across our different projects and every request by Nepali workers on SC projects to return home in the aftermath of the earthquakes has been approved, with more than 60 workers having their airfare covered by the relevant contractor. The SC believes that the hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the subsequent international spotlight on Qatar, serves as a catalyst for continued social progress. The SC will continue to move forward with internal and external stakeholders on our efforts to deliver a FIFA World Cup that preserves the rights and dignity of all individuals who will work to make the tournament a success.