The International Trade Union Confederation: Qatar has set a new standard for workers rights in the Gulf

The International Confederation of Trade Unions praised Qatar for setting a new standard for workers rights in the Gulf and called on Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Oman to follow suit.

I am confident that the sponsorship system is on its way out definitely from Qatar. Said CharanBoro, the general secretary of the International Confederation of Trade Unions,” Independent”. She added By the end of March, we will see the abolition of the sponsorship system from the agenda and the beginning of the formation of mature working relationships.

Ms. Boro announced that the coming period will see further reforms in Qatar. She added that Qatar signed an agreement, which will be implemented by the end of March or the beginning of April and it includes:

* An ILO office in Doha to oversee reform.

* A labour court to resolve disputes within three weeks.

* All contracts submitted to the government to prevent replacement.

* Residence permits and cancelling exit visas.

* The right of workers to leave the country either to visit their home or at the end of their contract.

*The establishment of a government support fund to pay for the employees’ tripsto home, and then authorities have the right to sue employers for money.

Qatar introduced a number of reforms including minimum wages, contracts with the government so that they can not be changed. In addition, employers can no longer stop employees leaving the country. Qatar is building nine new housing units,three hospitals and four health centres to accommodate 340,000 workers.

Reforms to be implemented after March as deadline include joint committees at the workplace, workers’representatives and determining a minimum wage based on evidence, so that people’s dignity is preserved. She added It is unbelievable that you have workers who have the right to vote, able to represent the workers’ voice, and to try to resolve conflicts.”