Therapists ‘a must for large firms’

By Ramesh Mathew/Staff Reporter

This suggestion comes following the killing of an Indian expatriate, allegedly by one of his compatriots in Wukair, and the questions it raises over how to effectively deal with the problems and concerns of low-income workers who have to live thousands of miles away from their dear ones.

Reacting to a report on the murder in Gulf Times yesterday, some residents feared that more such incidents could happen as large groups of workers were expected for various projects being executed as part of Qatar’s preparations for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

On Friday, Santhi Shyam Krishnan Nair (43) allegedly killed Mohamed Rizwan ul Haq (26) at their company’s accommodation in Wukair by hitting him with an iron rod. Nair was arrested on Saturday after he was found hiding in the same residential compound.

One of their co-workers at an airconditioning servicing firm later said the accused and the victim had an altercation earlier in the day over a “trivial issue”.

While there have been reports of clashes between workers’ groups in different accommodation units from time to time, very rarely do these incidents take such a turn. Residents stressed there is a need to adopt measures that will help prevent such cases altogether.

Community activist and long-time Doha resident John Gilbert, who frequently interacts with workers, said he has come across many expatriates who “carry their personal grievances” to their workplace and ultimately end up in verbal or physical clashes with their colleagues.

“It is high time companies initiate efforts to redress grievances of their workers and improve their general morale. This way, the companies can also fully benefit from their work,” he added.

It is believed that stress, tension and frustration are some of the common problems that many expatriates – particularly low-income workers - face while living away from their families. “They resort to extreme steps like the one witnessed in Wukair only when they fail to control such emotions,” said Gilbert.

Legal and rights activist Nizar Kochery felt community and welfare attachés at the embassies have a key role to play to deal with this problem. “While it is a fact that embassies alone cannot do much on their own in this regard, the officials can advise employers to deploy professional trainers or counsellors to address the issues generally faced by workers whenever they encounter problems arising out of work- or family-related issues.”

In 2005, an Indian worker at a fabrication firm in the Industrial Area was murdered by a colleague (also an Indian) over some petty dispute. Less than 24 hours after the incident – and before he could be caught - the accused was found hanging from a tree in Wukair.

A few years later, an expatriate died in a brawl that broke out between two groups of Sri Lankan expatriates in a cleaning company’s accommodation, also in the Industrial Area. Besides, cases of low-income expatriate workers committing suicide have been reported. Last year, two Nepalese siblings were found dead in their accommodation in Ain Khalid. Their deaths were attributed to illicit liquor.