Qatar has been showing the way for other countries in the region on how to bring in progressive labour reforms and bolster the rights of workers. The concerned authorities havebeen working tirelessly on these reforms for sometime now and tangible results can be seen on the ground.
Many important international bodies like the International Labour Organization (ILO) and Inter-national Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) have praised Qatar for the policies that have been introduced for the benefit of workers, especially for those involved in the construction of 2022 World Cup facilities.
Now the British Parliament has voiced its appreciation regarding the steps taken by Qatar for the benefit of labourers. A British Minister in a comment inside the parliament said that “Qatar is working very hard to make sure it produces a good World Cup and a safe World Cup.”
Another MP, Alex Norris, as part of a question, said in parliament that significant positive progress made by Qatar in areas relating to workers’ rights should be spread to neighbouring states.
The Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), who are responsible for delivering the infrastructure required for Qatar 2022 World Cup, has been introducing many initiatives for workers welfare and is also keeping a hawk’s eye on all contractors and sub-contractors working on their project to make sure they are all following the strict policies and procedures put in place for the benefit of every worker on their projects.
They have also launched a website recently, which is dedicated to workers’ welfare. The site chronicles the various initiatives introduced by the SC.
SC has implemented a range of measures to safeguard workers involved in its projects, including appointing an external monitor, signing agreement with global trade union bodies, introducing nutrition programme to educate workers about the importance of a healthy lifestyle among others.
All this effort is seen by concerned bodies and they appreciate the progress like ILO did at its 331st Session, where the governing body recognized the progress made by Qatar and “welcomed its commitment to ensuring fundamental principles and rights at work for all workers.”
While International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) welcomed the steps taken by Qatar to reimburse the recruitment fees of 30,000 workers, which is a path breaking move in the region.
Doha has proved that they mean action and in the process has become a beacon for the countries in the region to follow.
