A large number of locals and business owners have expressed concern over the proposed changes to Qatar’s labour law.
Qatar’s “intention” to reform the prevailing Kafala (sponsorship) system with a set of new amendments to the existing labour law was announced jointly by officials from the Ministry of Interior (MoI) and Ministry of Labour & Social Affairs last week.
The announcement, it appears, has left many people worried.
Speaking yesterday on a popular Qatar Radio programme, Watani-al-Habib Sabah al-Khair (My beloved country, good morning), a number of callers demanded that the new regulations take into consideration the interests of employers and locals as well.
“I have recruited a new worker. As soon as he heard about the new proposals, he was unwilling to sign the work contract and said he would prefer to wait until the new law was implemented,” said a local man during the programme, which is aired five days a week.
Another local employer voiced concern over the proposed changes to the sponsorship system, which would allow employees to switch jobs after a certain period without the consent or approval of the employer.
“Is it fair that I bring somebody to the country, train him, give him experience and access to the secrets of my trade and dealings, and then he goes and gives all these to another party when he is offered better employment conditions by competitors,” he asked.
He argued this would not be fair and would also undermine the rights and well-being of business owners in the country.
He also said expatriate workers often do not arrive from their home countries with the quality and experience required and are given training, which is paid for by the employer.
“In case you give me a highly qualified worker and I have to spend nothing on his training, it may be okay for him to switch jobs, but still I have to guarantee that he will not undermine my business by transferring my work secrets and experience to competitors,” he said.
The proposed amendments have to go through the “normal legislative cycle” for approval, which includes taking into consideration the opinions of the business community through Qatar Chamber.
Another major issue for the locals is that of domestic workers, including maids and drivers. They argue that allowing such workers to take their passports and leave the country without the prior approval of the employer entails many risks.
A local woman said: “What if some of them steal precious objects from the house or commit a crime and leave before it is discovered?”
It has been proposed that the current exit permit system, which requires employers’ consent for an employee to leave the country, will be replaced by an automated system that will require only the consent of the MoI.
However, the proposal also indicates that though the exit permit will no longer be in the hands of employers, an employee has to notify the employer of his intention to exit the country.