Rumours spreading about sponsorship changes
Rumours that the government will make an important announcement next month on amendments to Qatar’s sponsorship law have kindled hope as well as caused worry among different sections of the country’s population.
The over 1.8 million expatriate workers in Qatar expect the amendments to brighten their prospects. However, the private sector and a section of citizens are worrying whether the country would compromise with their respective interests to please the international community.
The Foreign Minister, H E Dr Khalid bin Mohamed Al Attiyah, during a recent visit to Germany, said that Qatar was taking steps to “improve the living conditions of foreign workers”.
Last October, the chairman of the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC), Dr Ali bin Simaikh Al Merri, stated that the government was about to receive the recommendations of a special committee set up by the State Cabinet to study the sponsorship issue.
If the rumours turn out to be true, the new sponsorship law or labour law will make it easier for many expatriates to switch jobs.The much-criticised exit permit will also be scrapped.
"I have been in Qatar for 12 years and I have suffered a lot because of my sponsors in the past. If in the end this [rumour] turns out to be true, then thousands of workers will be relieved," said Abdul Kader, who is a delivery employee at a supermarket in Doha.
Skilled workers and professionals will no longer be required to obtain a no-objection certificate from their employer to take up a new job, provided they get clearance from a competent government body or the Ministry of Labour.
Media reports about imminent reforms in the sponsorship law have lifted the spirits of expatriates.
In contrast, the private sector, which hosts nearly 90 percent of the country’s expatriate labour force, is worried.
“We will have no problem if the government makes amendments in the existing sponsorship law and exit permits rules so long as Qatari private businesses are protected”, said Remy Rowhani, CEO and Director General of Qatar Chamber (QC), the oldest and largest representative body of industries and businesses in the country.
Rowhani said that QC was working closely with the committee set up by the government to study possible amendments in the sponsorship law.
Read more at The Peninsula
why dont make it simple as like Kuwait did ( 3 month notice from both side ( employee & company ) and if any of them wants to leave instant they have to pay 3 month salary
Exam. if company wants employee to leave same day company has to pay 3 month salary or if employee want to leave he or she has to pay same amount to company also after notice period ( if company fire ) employee has some time weekly or daily to go for interview.
based on this law haring company's also offering same time to join.
FARE DEAL FOR BOTH.
this is going to happen sooner or later... you cant have such an unfair system for long. None of civilized countries would even think of using the system as this would be direct violation of human rights... i think Qatar is on a right way.. i just hope that they make it happen soon... and implement it right.. in practice.. as opposed to on paper. This would also stimulate the economy via improved competition on the market.
If this turn to be true all the employees here will be more than happy. Employers will respect their employees and treat them in the best way. This will benefit also the country as new employers will benefit from the transfered employees experiences. You never appreciate something until you lose it !
A Saudi princess who was supposed slave domestic staff in California ( U.S. West Coast ) on Thursday paid a deposit of $ 5 million , a day after being arrested and charged with trafficking, prosecutors said Thursday .
Meshael Alayban , a Saudi princess , 42, was arrested for human trafficking after retaining a domestic worker against her will in a condo that is located in Orange County .
Meshael Alayban , a Saudi princess , 42, was arrested for human trafficking after retaining a domestic worker against her will in a condo that is located in Orange County .
The Saudi princess Meshael Alayban , accused Wednesday of slavery by forcing a Kenyan woman to perform domestic work , paid his bail of $ 5 million and will be released from the local jail , said in a statement the prosecution Orange County (60 miles south of Los Angeles ) .
" The accused surrendered their passports , must carry a GPS for the authorities to monitor his whereabouts can not get away from Orange County without court permission is prohibited from contacting the victim ," the text.
Alayban , 42, is one of the six wives of Prince Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz bin Nasser al Saud , grandson of King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia, confirmed to AFP spokeswoman Farrah Emami Orange prosecution .
"There is still an ongoing investigation to determine exactly what their position in the royal family ," Emami said.
The alleged victim was forced to work seven days a week 16 hours a day for $ 220 per month - far 5 days , 8 hours and $ 1.600 promised - first in a palace in Saudi Arabia and then in an apartment in Irvine ( a town in Orange County ) , where the princess was staying with his family .
The mother of a seven- year-old Kenyan was hired in March last by an agency of the country year to do housework in an Arab castle, but when it came to his new job, their employers took his passport and they broke the contract , according to prosecutors .
Almost a year later, in May this year , Princess Alayban came to America with his family , Kenyan and four Filipino domestic , whose legal status is still being investigated .
The alleged victim told police that her employer returned her passport just to go through the process of migration and then held it again.
The story unfolded Tuesday when the Kenyan 30 years, who was not identified by name, escaped , got on a bus and , aided by one of the passengers , he went to the police .
To issue a visa , officials from the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh , the capital of Saudi Arabia, had been surreptitiously handed a pamphlet on trafficking in persons and their legal rights, the woman was carrying at the time escaped her alleged captors .
"It's a smart woman. Vio ( on the trip to the United States) the opportunity to be free and took it , "said his attorney, Steve Baric .
A day after the flight of the maid, on Wednesday , Princess Alayban was arrested in an operation in which police found in the Philippines.
This law is just a way to have the power to abuse other humans. In truly civilized countries the implementation of this law can lead to jail.
http://www.latribuna.hn/2013/07/12/princesa-saudita-acusada-de-esclavismo-paga-fianza-de-cinco-millones-de-dolares/
Many employers who fleece employees and force them to "forget" their End of Service Benefits in exchange for NOC, will go hungry if the system of NOC is abolished. I have been a victim of this practice and I know of many others who have suffered. True, this practice is illegal and cruel and such employers can only be best described as criminals. As such a change in the sponsorship system abolishing the requirement for NOC will put employers on the back foot. It would force them to respect their employees. Currently the system gives the employers so much powers and the employees nothing, leading to employees seeking justice at the Labor Office.
They may make it like Dubai. It will also be a good thing for the employers. they can get rid some non productive staff. Due to restriction in the visa system they find it difficult to replace them. The salaries will also go down for the professional category.
i am getting this rumor since long....i do not think the Qatar government will completely remove the current ban system..even though we can await a few amendments with patience
So, the ability to switch jobs will stop abuse and salary payment delays >?
We've been "waiting" for the "imminent" changes for at least 2 years now.
What makes this time different?
http://www.qatarliving.com/working-qatar/posts/new-labour-laws-online-qatar
Again one more rumour..ha ha ha. ?
Rumours are like wild fire,,,,,spreads very rapidly :(((