The migrant workers in Qatar were bound to take permission from their employers before changing their job. It is a NOC (No-objection certificate) that is mandatory under Qatar’s Kafala (sponsorship) system. However, the law that gives the right to activists claims that this ties the workers. It can lead to exploitation and abuse too. The rights for labor have been in focus since they are hosting Qatar World Cup 2022.
Qatar announced labor law changes in August 2020. Similarly, they have eliminated the idea of obtaining a NOC. This announcement has brought a revolutionary change in the Qatar migrant workers reforms. The new amendments will include the reduction of labor disputes and facilitate workers in many ways. Surprisingly, the Ministry of Administrative Development Labor and Social Affairs have revealed the changes last year.
Previously some workers have been successful in changing their job. However, the majority of them are facing threats and exploitation by the sponsors. Due to harassment some of them are sent to jail or even deported to their country. According to some employees they had to hide due to the fear of going to jail. No doubt the labor right reforms have entirely changed the labor market.
Law No 15 of 2017 was issued for domestic workers. The rules comply with international labor standards and ILO Convention no. 189 which eases many things. According to the standard employment contract, the workers must work for eight hours only. The law emphasizes to improve Migrant worker conditions by providing food and shelter. It will necessary to treat them with dignity and offer the right medical services. The employer doesn’t have any right to psychologically pressurize any domestic worker.
The Ministry of Labor is recently adopting a new employment contract for the workers. It complements the provision of Law No 15 from 2017. They plan to adopt new protection measures that work in their favor. The employee doesn’t need to work overtime and can take sick leave whenever necessary. Even if anyone is working in the private sector, the same rules will apply.
The best part about the new employment contract model is that the employee has the right to terminate the contract. It is remarkable that the Visa centers in Qatar and giving the same rights to workers from other countries. Here is how Qatar reformed migrant workers in this contract model:
Law No 17 from 2020 determines the National Minimum wage for the workers. The minimum wage for domestic and international workers is set under the Ministerial Decision No 25 of 2020. Employers must pay at least 1,000 QAR to the employees. Similarly, the employer must provide basic facilities like food and accommodation. If they fail to do so, they have to pay a fine of 500 QAR per month. The law on Minimum Wage is activated in March 2021. Since passing this rule total number of 299854 workers are working in many sectors.
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