Expatriates expect a win-win situation
Dear Sir,
Further to the letters, “Right time for rules changes” (Gulf Times, January 25), “Regular updates” (Gulf Times, January 27) and “Slow changes” (Gulf Times, January 28), one feels that things are still not clear with the progress made on proposals to change Qatar’s labour rules even after eight months have passed since the announcement of plans to reform the current sponsorship system. Many expatriate workers have been looking forward to the time when the changes will come into effect.
A report in November last year said Qatar would introduce new legislation to replace the “kafala” sponsorship system and improve conditions for migrant workers by early 2015.
In May last year reports said that under the new rules, the sponsorship system would be replaced with one based on employment contracts though its actual mechanics were not explained.
They also said that under the new legislation, the exit permit that expatriate workers need to leave the country would be replaced by a system that grant them permission automatically after a three-day grace period. Again there were no clarifications on what happens if someone wants to leave the country in case of an emergency in his/her home country. Will the “grace period” apply in their case also?
But the most important feature of the reforms, as reported, was that foreign workers would be able to change jobs at the end of their contracts, without the need for the certificate they currently require from their previous employers showing they have no objections. The proposal, as far as one could make out, was that those on open-ended contracts would be entitled to change jobs after five years.
So it is understandable that people are expecting an official announcement on the progress made so far with the reforms.
The large number of expatriate workers living here are extremely grateful to the Qatar government for its support and concern for their welfare. They are sure that the final decision, when they are announced, will be a win-win situation for both the the employer and the employee.
RN, (Full name and address supplied)
Exemplary work by Sheikh Thani
Dear Sir,
Congratulations to Sheikh Thani bin Abdullah who has received the 2014 Dentons Award in recognition of his accomplishments, contributions and global projects in social, humanitarian and charitable services.
May Almighty Allah grant Sheikh Thani as well as his family members longevity, health and the will to continue with their philanthropic and charitable activities.
Under the just and flawless leadership of Sheikh Thani bin Abdullah, the charitable trust Raf has been making exemplary progress on all fronts. Sheikh Thani has always been at the forefront in extending a helping hand to the indigent and the poor among the Muslim communities at large.
The Holy Qur’an states: The likeness of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah, is as the likeness of a grain (of corn); it grows seven ears, and each ear has a hundred grains. Allah gives manifold increase to whom He wills. And Allah is All-Sufficient for His creatures’ needs, All-Knower. 2: 261
Mohamed Aboobakker, [email protected]
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