Ministry of Labor: Qatar Places the Rights of All Migrant Workers at the Heart of Its Socio-Economic Policies

Doha, October 09 (QNA) – Assistant Undersecretary for Labor Affairs of the Ministry of Labor Mohammed Hassan Al Obaidli underlined that the State of Qatar places the rights of all migrant workers at the heart of its socio-economic policies, based on what was included in its comprehensive future vision “Qatar National Vision 2030”, and in line with UN Sustainable Development Goals 2030, which constantly seeks to develop the work environment to be appealing to investments.
This came during the participation of the Ministry of Labor and Qatar Chamber in the International Community Dialogue on Employers to enhance investment environment in Qatar, which was organized by the International Labor Organization (ILO) in Doha today, in the presence of Max Tunon, the head of the ILO Office in Doha.
Al Obaidli said that the Ministry of Labor, within the framework of updating legislations governing the labor sector, has worked to develop the recruitment system in a manner that facilitates bringing skilled and adept labor to employers without any difficulties or challenges.
He noted that the MoL always seeks to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) sector by providing an effective operational environment, through recruiting expatriate workers and strike the required balance between the parties to production in the private sector.
The development process shall proceed, whether at the legislative or executive level, and during and after the World Cup, and with the same approach based on joint action, he added.
For his part, Director General of Qatar Chamber Saleh bin Hamad Al Sharqi said that State of Qatar has embarked in recent years on developing legislation and laws related to the Labor sector that comply with Qatar National Vision 2030, achieve a comprehensive reform of the Labor sector and lead to a competitive knowledge-based economy, adding that Qatar has made huge strides in terms of labor rights by adopting a set of legislation and reforms that reflect its commitment to providing a suitable and safe work environment.
In his speech, Al Sharqi clarified that Qatar Chamber, as a representative of the private sector, played an important role in such reforms. QC and MoL meet continuously, discuss all issues related to the labor sector, and resolve any obstacles before the implementation of these reforms on the ground.
Al Sharqi stressed on Qatar Chambers keenness to inform and educate employers about legislation and laws related to labor issues, and to organize seminars, workshops and training courses for companies to raise awareness of workers’ rights and urge them to abide by them, noting that QC also worked to urge business owners and employers to provide training and qualification for workers, and raise the level of awareness on occupational safety and health requirements of the worker and the employer in order to boost efficiency in productivity.
He added that QC also supports the strenuous efforts undertaken by the government of the State of Qatar in the field of promoting workers’ rights and applying the best international standards to ensure the security and safety of expatriate workers, and to provide a safe and appropriate work environment.
He pointed out that everyone can observe how these legislations have contributed to enhancing the work environment in the State of Qatar, facilitating the movement of workers from one company to another, and ensuring the worker’s right to leave without prior approval from the employer, and that the employees’ wages can be transferred to the workers bank account. He pointed also to the tougher penalties for violators and highlighted the qualitative shift in labor accommodation and communities that are built according to the highest international standards.
At the conclusion of his speech, Al Sharqi stressed that all labor legislations promulgated by the State of Qatar in recent years are rendered as a real guarantee of the rights and care of migrant workers, and proof the provision of a safe and stimulating work environment for work and production. (QNA)