Qatar is committed to protecting workers’ rights: Minister

Qatar has amplified its measures to safeguard the welfare of its workers in recent years.

The efforts made by the country have garnered the appreciation of international labor bodies that recognized Qatar’s commitment toward ensuring workers’ rights.

Under this focus, Qatar rolled out a number of initiatives that have been improving accommodation, enhancing health and safety standards tackling unethical recruitment, innovating to protect and enhance workers’ lives.

One of the major achievements in this area was when International Labor Organziation (ILO) officially closed a compliant against Qatar by workers after the government formulated legislation to protect them and pledged reforms.

Yesterday, while commemorating the International Workers’ Day, celebrated across the globe on May 1, His Excellency the Minister of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs (MADLSA) Yousuf bin Mohamed Al Othman Fakhro reiterated Qatar’s commitment to providing the due care and protection to workers in the country.

HE the Minister underlined Qatar’s keenness to provide its workforce with a safe and stable work environment that stimulates efficiency while protecting their rights.

This has been incorporated in its permanent constitution and national vision, he added.

The celebration gathered a number of dignitaries, senior officials from the government and the ILO in addition to representatives of some private and non-government organizations as well as some expats from different communities.

On the occasion, HE the Minister highlighted Qatar’s progress in all areas including economic, developmental, and social, which he said became the pathway for many expatriate workers to come to the country and be part of the development.

Moreover, the implementation of the second phase of the National Development Strategy (2018-2022) comprises various projects put together to develop the wage protection system, determine minimum wage, attract skilled workers and guarantee that the voice of workers is heard under proper complaint mechanisms, HE the Minister mentioned.

اكد سعادة الوزير على اهميه الاحتفال باليوم العالمي للعمال جاء ذلك في الكلمه التي القاها خلال الجلسة الافتتاحية للموتمر المقام بمناسبة الاحتفال بـ #اليوم_العالمي_للعمال#adlsaqa pic.twitter.com/1FpUW2X4Hd

— وزارة التنمية والعمل (@ADLSAQa) May 1, 2019

Corinne Vargha, director of International Labor Standards at ILO, acknowledged the strong cooperation between Qatar and the organization, which was further consolidated with the opening of an ILO office in the country.

ILO had opened a technical office in Qatar a year ago to help the country make the necessary improvements in the field.

This is considered a milestone in upholding the ILO's standards in maintaining a fair, safe and healthy work environment for all regardless of gender and nationality, Vargha said.

She stressed that one of the key aims of ILO is to not leave anybody behind - irrespective of whatever his or her situation might be - and Qatar has performed with excellence in this area.  

Celebrating International Workers Day in Doha - A great day to remember achievements, as well as the road ahead, on labour reforms in Qatar @ADLSAQa @Houtan_ILO @Tzoro1 pic.twitter.com/QNS7twHeIM

— ILO Project Office for the State of Qatar (@ILOQatar) May 1, 2019

Furthermore, HE the Minister thanked all workers in the country, expatriates and citizens for their tremendous contribution in Qatar's progress. 

A number of excellence awards in the labor field were presented to distinguished companies, individuals and organizations in recognition of their positive efforts.
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Cover Image Credit: Twitter/ Geman Embassy Doha