Qatar announced a series of new amendments to its labor law by approving a new package of rights for migrant workers, in a step considered the first in the region.
The amendments introduced a minimum basic monthly wage for workers, amounting to 1.000 Qatari Riyals ($ 274.6), and removed the employer’s approval requirement to change employees for employment.
Pending its entry into force in a period of six months, migrant workers will be able to change their work before the end of their contract without the requirement to obtain a no objection certificate from their employer in a step that signals the imminent abolition of the sponsorship system.
The amendments affirm a minimum wage of 1.000 Qatari riyals that applies to all workers, nationalities, and sectors, including domestic workers. In addition to the basic minimum wage, employers must ensure that workers have decent housing and food conditions. The law stipulates that employers must pay a food allowance of not less than 400 Qatari riyals and a housing allowance of no less than 500 Qatari riyals if they do not directly secure this for the workers.
In a preliminary comment on these reforms, ILO Director-General Guy Ryder said, “Qatar has fulfilled its promise to adopt these historic changes. They promised to give workers more freedom, and employers more options. Here, we are witnessing what can be achieved when it works. Employers, workers and governments work together with the International Labor Organization to promote decent work for all.
Since its victory in organizing the FIFA World Cup, Qatar has faced almost daily charges of violating the rights of migrant workers, especially in the facilities that are being built in preparation for the next World Cup.
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