Qatar: ILO report on cooperation with Govt. finds developments have been made but 'significant challenges' remain
In November 2023, the International Labour Organization released its annual progress report ‘on the technical cooperation programme between the Government of Qatar and the ILO’. The report covers the period from November 2022 to October 2023. It states the Ministry of Labour (MOL) continued to commit to labour reforms after the 2022 FIFA World Cup tournament, however, significant challenges remain.
The report notes several contextual changes in 2023.. The country has seen a rise in freelance work, where workers have obtained a residency permit from an ‘employer’ but without a guarantee of work. The MOL has also been restructured. Further, the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy has been phasing out.
On labour migration governance, the report notes the September 2020 legislation reforming the kafala system has brought some positive developments. However, it notes there are still cases of retaliation by employers against workers who request a job change, including by filing false absconding charges against them. Many employers still refer to the need for a No-Objection Certificate, which the government is trying to tackle through by disseminating communication materials on labour mobility legislation. The report also notes developments in fair recruitment, including a completed assessment of the system for licensing and monitoring private recruitment agencies.
During this reporting period, there have still been cases of retaliation by unscrupulous employers against workers who submitted a request to change jobs. This has taken the form of cancelling their residency permits (QIDs) or filing false absconding charges against them. To tackle this, the electronic systems of MOL and MOI had been linked to prevent employers from taking such action after a worker had submitted their application through MOL’s electronic system .International Labour Organization, Progress Report 2023
On enforcement of labour law and access to justice, the report explores the impact of the Wage Protection System (WPS). While it notes some benefits, the system cannot yet detect whether the wage paid is less than the specified by the employment contract. The report also notes reduced demand since the World Cup in certain sectors, such as construction, has negatively impacted workers, who have ongoing claims without access to income. It notes several measures taken by the MOL and ILO to increase access to justice, including through training courses, such as by Migrant Forum Asia.
The report explores the implementation of the 2021 heat stress legislation, including the dissemination of communication materials and labour inspections of at-risk industries. On occupational health and safety, the report notes a national registry for occupational accidents is still in effect.
On worker voice and social dialogue, the report notes a final decision on the proposal to make joint committees mandatory for companies that employ over 100 workers will be made by the end of 2023, and that joint committee representatives received training by the ILO and MOL. The report also sheds light on engagement with the private sector, including through meetings with the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry and collaboration with Qatar University to write a casebook on business and human rights.
Finally, the report explores international cooperation and exchange of experience, including bilateral exchanges with other states, such as with Sweden, France, the UK, and the Netherlands, through international forums, and through cooperation with the UN.