Dhaka: Deputy Chairperson of the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) Dr. Mohammad bin Saif Al Kuwari affirmed that Qatar has made tremendous efforts with respect to upgrading labour laws and legislation to protect and promote the rights of expatriate workers, as well as improve the conditions of workers, employees and their families.
During a ceremony organised by the National Human Rights Commission of Bangladesh on the occasion of signing a memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NHRC Dr. Al Kuwari noted the legislative developments of human rights in Qatar, especially those related to allowing workers to change their employers based on streamlined conditions in the law, in addition to the law that compels employers of domestic workers to honour the identified maximum hours of work with weekly leave and paid annual leave, in addition to the cancellation of exit permit for expatriate workers under the law. This promotes and protects workers’ right to freedom of movement and travel.
In addition, Dr. Al Kuwari pointed to the labour disputes settlement committee whose ruling is issued within three weeks, and the establishment of workers’ support and insurance fund which constitutes a guarantee for workers to receive their entitlements even in cases of employers’ objection.
He asserted that the MoU signed with the National Human Rights Commission of Bangladesh aims to reinforce relations between the two sides in promoting and protecting human rights, especially the rights of workers from Bangladesh.
He recalled the outstanding role currently being undertaken by the Bangladeshi community in Qatar, along with its engagement in development process.
The MoU includes enhancing cooperation between the two sides in alignment with the international conventions and engagement in training programmes on human rights issues, conducting joint research and carrying out awareness activities in human rights.
Dr. Al Kuwari met with a host of officials at Qatar Visa Centre in Bangladesh and was briefed on the services provided by the centre, along with the procedures in serving the workers nominated to work in Qatar. He called for taking preventive measures to protect workers in Qatar and ensure workers’ arrival in the country based on the applicable official procedures in accordance with the Qatari and Bangladeshi laws, in addition to raising awareness in this respect.
