DOHA – Qatar received recognition and constructive feedback at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva during its first five-yearly review, with particular praise for recent labour reforms introduced ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2022.
Qatar’s permanent representative to the UN, Hend Abdulrahman Al Muftah, highlighted reforms that have transformed Qatar’s labour laws. These include the establishment of a minimum wage, reforms allowing workers greater freedom to change employers, and measures to combat forced labour and human trafficking. Al Muftah expressed Qatar’s deep appreciation for migrant workers, calling them “true partners” in the nation’s development.
Participating countries offered recommendations to continue advancing labour protections. France encouraged Qatar to bolster the implementation of its labour reforms, while Sierra Leone advised further dismantling the remnants of the sponsorship system, or ‘Kafala’. Representatives from the Netherlands commended Qatar for its legislative advancements, while underscoring the need for stronger enforcement.
Additionally, Qatar’s role in advancing women’s rights was discussed, with Al Muftah noting that 120 Qatari women now serve in diplomatic roles. Topics concerning divorce, custody, and the male guardianship system were raised by representatives from Sweden and Iceland, while Norway advocated for greater press freedom, urging Qatar to protect civil society, human rights defenders, and journalists.
Al Muftah acknowledged Qatar’s rise to 84th place in the Reporters Without Borders’ press freedom index and reiterated Qatar’s commitment to ensuring safe, empowered spaces for civil society.
In a closing statement, Nasser Ali Al Khater, representing Qatar’s Minister of Sports, underscored the unifying power of sports, saying, “Qatar shall continue its efforts in the field of sport and empowerment,” adding that the World Cup served as an important bridge between diverse communities.
Landmark Labour Reforms
Qatar’s labour reforms introduced a minimum wage of QAR 1,000 monthly across all sectors, including domestic work, with additional allowances for food and accommodation. Workers are also no longer required to obtain No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) to change employers.
In 2018, the Workers’ Support and Insurance Fund was established to protect workers facing unpaid wages. Labour Dispute Resolution Committees now ensure that cases are resolved within three weeks, and in partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO), Qatar has strengthened access to justice for migrant workers. This year, the ILO renewed its cooperation with Qatar for an additional four years to expand recent reforms.
During 2023, over 153,000 workers successfully transitioned to new employers, a milestone marking Qatar’s ongoing commitment to workers’ rights.
