Forced labour is punishable crime under Qatari law: MoI

Forced and compulsory labour is a punishable crime under the purview of the Qatari law against human trafficking. While addressing a recent awareness webinar on ‘Services of Anti-Human Trafficking Section for the Public’, Ft Lt Fahad Jassim al-Mansouri, officer at the Technical Office of the Criminal Investigation Department at the General Directorate of Criminal Investigation, said two offenders were punished for forced labour in Qatar.An individual of Asian nationality, who is owner of a barbershop, in co-operation with his accountant, recruited three individuals of different nationalities to work at the barbershop. They were then forcibly made to sign promissory notes under the pretext of debt acknowledgment compelling them to work long hours for minimal pay. Arrest warrants were issued by the Public Prosecution, and the accused were referred to the judiciary. The offenders were sentenced to five years imprisonment, fined QR100,000 each, deported from the country, banned from practising barbering, and their items were confiscated.Ft Lt al-Mansouri cited some recent cases and legal actions against the offenders during the webinar, which was organised by the Public Relations Department of the Ministry of Interior (MoI) in association with the Criminal Investigation Department and the Preventive Security Department."Human trafficking is considered as one of the most heinous crimes committed against individuals, due to its severe psychological, social, economic and security-related consequences. This is especially true given that the victims are often vulnerable groups, driven by harsh living and economic conditions to fall prey to sexual exploitation (such as women and children), forced labour or other forms of human trafficking,” Ft Lt al-Mansouri said.He explained the Anti Human Trafficking section’s main duties and responsibilities that include combating human trafficking crimes, collecting information and receiving reports and complaints, gathering evidence and conducting investigations to uncover these crimes and take the necessary legal measures, preparing periodic statistics in co-ordination with relevant departments and concerned entities, contributing to public awareness on human trafficking crimes and combating begging in coordination with the concerned entities.The Investigation and Follow-up Branch receives reports and complaints related to human trafficking crimes and begging-related offences, gathers evidence and conducts investigations to identify such crimes. Also, it takes necessary actions in accordance with the law, follows up on case files and completing required procedures, follows up on cases referred to the Public Prosecution and judiciary and ensures compliance with judicial decisions.Common procedures include following up on the Public Prosecution’s decisions and ensuring their implementation. Victims are referred to the Humanitarian Care Shelter, when necessary, in co-ordination with the Labour Department. Suspects are detained based on orders from the Public Prosecution, and arrangements are made to ensure their and the victims’ attendance at investigation and court sessions. Upon the conclusion of the case, the suspects are referred to the competent authority for sentence execution, and steps are taken either to regularise the victims’ status in the country or facilitate their departure if they so wish. Upon receiving information, a complaint or a report indicating a suspected case of human trafficking, it is verified whether there is suspicion or existing evidence confirming the crime of human trafficking. Once confirmed, a permanent case is filed and the victims’ statements are recorded. Evidence is gathered and necessary investigations are conducted to apprehend the suspects.