On Aug. 14, protesters gathered outside the offices of Al Bandary International Group, a conglomerate based in Qatar, that has construction, real estate, hotels, food service and other ventures.

The group of workers blocked the street, as seen in videos posted on social media, demanding several months of overdue pay. But security forces rounded them up and detained them. 

After several days of detention, some of the workers were deported.

They did receive their wages, but they lost their livelihoods.

Qadri, with Equidem, said workers should have the right to protest. He also suggested setting up a center run by migrants themselves, where they can voice their concerns.