Unfounded criticism of expatriate working conditions: GCO

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Sheikh Thamer pointed out that the article is rife with inaccuracies and distortions, refusing to recognize the positive impact of labor reforms in Qatar for hundreds of thousands of migrant workers and their families.

Following the publication of an opinion article in “Le Monde” by elected officials and NGOs on the working conditions on the sites of the 2022 Football World Cup, Sheikh Thamer bin Hamad al-Thani, deputy director of Qatar government’s communications office, considers these criticisms unfounded or unfounded. Above all, according to him, the authors ignore the labor reforms in the country. In response to the article published in the French newspaper “Le Monde”, the deputy director of the government’s Communication Office said that in just under 500 days the 2022 World Cup will kick off in Qatar. It will be the first time that the flagship football event will be hosted by an Arab country and the Middle East, and therefore an opportunity to dispel stereotypes and recurring misconceptions about the region. “It will also be an opportunity to promote cultural exchanges and bring a message of hope and unity to our troubled region. For millions of people, the World Cup in Qatar will be a cause for celebration as the world emerges from the clutches of the Covid-19 pandemic. Sheikh Thamer pointed out that the article is full of inaccuracies and distortions, refusing to recognize the positive impact of labor reforms in Qatar for hundreds of thousands of migrant workers and their families. He stressed that Qatar has never shied away from evidence-based criticism and repeatedly acknowledged that there are still areas for improvement. Qatar’s labor reforms are long-term and the result of an unwavering drive for change that existed long before the World Cup was awarded. He said Qatar remains determined in the face of criticism and when an article misleads readers and ignores the realities on the ground, it is our responsibility to respond with facts. If the authors of the editorial were serious about understanding the truth, a quick online search would reveal the many opportunities our government has seized to respond to the Guardian’s inaccurate claims that 6,500 workers from India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan , Bangladesh and Nepal have died since 2011 working on the construction sites of stadiums and infrastructure for the 2022 World Cup. ”He also stressed that this accusation is completely false. Only 20% of expatriates living in Qatar are employed on construction sites. The remaining 80% include teachers, doctors, accountants, bankers, and professionals working in offices and stores. “Less than 10% of all fatalities over the past seven years have involved people employed in the construction industry, with just three work-related fatalities at World Cup venues. The Guardian article paints a stereotypical representation of the professional occupations of expatriates in our country. and ignore these critical points. Qatar is doing everything to prevent loss of life in our country as evidenced by the fact that Qatar has one of the lowest Covid-19 death rates in the world. The death rate of the expatriate population in Qatar has always been within the expected range given the size and demographics of the population. Over the past decade, that number has steadily declined due to the health and safety programs we have put in place. Le Monde makes no mention of this fact, and no reference to the many laws and enforcement measures put in place by Qatar to prevent exploitation by certain companies. Contrary to their claims, confiscation of passports now carries a heavy fine and imprisonment for repeat offenders, while working hours during the hotter summer months have been adjusted. The offending companies were closed and new courts were created to speed up workers’ access to justice. He noted that, as in all countries, the labor system in Qatar is not perfect and that “we are still working hard to achieve the ambitious goal standards that we have set.” However, progress is being made. To take the necessary steps, Qatar has adopted a collaborative approach and has partnered with many international organizations such as the International Labor Organization (ILO), trade unions and NGOs, to carry out its reforms. said that the ILO, for example, established its first regional project office in Qatar in 2018. With its contribution and support, Qatar has put in place a package of reforms, including removing obstacles to change in employment for workers, the introduction of a non-discriminatory minimum wage, the first of its kind in the region, a free health service and new hygiene and safety standards on residential and work sites. The Qa tar also introduced a stronger legal system to protect workers from abusive employers and recruiters. He added: “For these reforms, and the many others introduced by Qatar, to be effective, companies must also be held accountable for their actions. With new laws and tougher enforcement in place, we’re on track to win the battle against companies that thought they could get around the law. Our government is sending a clear message: illegal activities will not be tolerated. In the opinion piece, Sheikh Thamer bin Hamad al-Thani stressed that the partnerships established over the past decade with the ILO and other groups will continue long after the World Cup. is finished. The task of reform has not been easy, and other challenges lie ahead. But we are ready to meet them and we hope that our perseverance will inspire other countries in the region to do the same. Qatar’s goal has always been for the 2022 World Cup to create a positive legacy for our country and the region.In addition to initiatives related to sustainability, healthy lifestyles, education and economic cooperation Labor reform is a major component of this legacy. He called on all those interested in workers’ rights, including those working in politics and football, to learn more about the measures taken by Qatar to reform its labor laws, and how these changes bring tangible benefits to the people who live and work here. Despite the malicious criticism, Qatar continues unabashedly in pursuing its reform agenda and will leave a legacy from which millions of people can benefit.

Last updated: July 12, 2021 12:06 am

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