Minister of Labour H E Dr. Ali bin Smaikh Al Marri and ILO Director-General H E Gilbert F. Houngbo with other officials during the event.
DOHA: Minister of Labour H E Dr. Ali bin Smaikh Al Marri took part yesterday in a high-level briefing on Wage Protection Systems (WPS) in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) States, convened on the margins of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Governing Body meetings in Geneva.
The session, organised by the Executive Bureau of the Council of Ministers of Labour and Social Affairs in the GCC States, and supported by the Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar and the Permanent Mission of the GCC in Geneva, showcased the outcomes of a joint study undertaken with the ILO on the evolution of WPS across the region.
The meeting underscored the collective determination of GCC countries to continue strengthening labour market governance, promote fair working conditions, and advance the objectives of the Global Coalition for Social Justice, in line with broader commitments to the Sustainable Development Goals.
In his address, Dr. Al Marri described the joint study as a significant milestone in the long-standing partnership between the GCC and the ILO. He noted that the findings reflect a shared resolve to uphold social justice, reinforce workers’ rights, and entrench the principles of decent work across the region.
He highlighted that the GCC’s experience in wage protection has matured into a recognised regional and international model.
The Minister emphasised that the transition from traditional regulations to integrated digital platforms has enhanced transparency, strengthened compliance, and ensured timely payment of wages contributing to greater trust between employers and workers, and supporting long-term labour market stability.
He added that this progress is anchored in a clear political commitment from GCC governments to balance robust worker protection with the growth and continuity of private-sector enterprises, through a framework grounded in transparency, accountability, and constructive engagement with international partners.
The Minister reaffirmed that wage protection remains a central pillar of Qatar’s labour market reforms. He noted that the country has implemented a comprehensive suite of mechanisms — including the electronic WPS, streamlined dispute-resolution pathways, and the Workers’ Support and Insurance Fund — all contributing to the broader agenda of social justice and to the objectives of the Global Coalition.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Labour met with Secretary-General of the International Organisation of Employers (IOE) H E Roberto Suárez Santos, and Vice-Chair of the ILO Governing Body and Vice-President of the IOE Mathias Thorns, on the sidelines of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Governing Body meetings in Geneva, Switzerland.
The discussions focused on avenues for strengthening cooperation between the State of Qatar and the IOE, as well as strategies to further develop and enhance this partnership in the coming period.
The meeting reflected Qatar’s continued commitment to engaging with international partners to support social dialogue, decent work, and sustainable economic development.
