Panel discusses expat challenges in Gulf

Permanent Population Committee (PPC), in co-operation with the UNPopulation Fund (UNODC) for the GCC, and the International Organisationfor Migration, organised yesterday a workshop on management ofexpatriate workers and opportunities and challenges in the Gulf. Theconference was also attended by experts, academics, representatives ofministries and civil society members.The aim of the workshop was to consider the management of expatriateworkers from the perspective of studying the realities and future oflabour mobility policies in GCC countries, to familiarise participantswith the international concepts of the term immigrant, and to clarifythe difference between a permanent immigrant and a migrant worker.On the occasion, HE the Minister of Development Planning and Statisticsand PCC chairman, Dr Saleh Mohammed Salem al-Nabit, said that Qatar hasbeen receiving over the past 10 years migrant workers exceeding 2mn.“They come from different countries, working in different servicesectors, living in a climate of co-operation and collaboration withQatari citizens and enjoying all the rights recognised by Qatarilegislation and complying with their duties,” he said.In his speech assistant under-secretary at the Ministry of DevelopmentPlanning and Statistics, Sultan al-Kuwari noted that due to theinsufficient Qatari human resources to achieve the country’ ambitiousdevelopment plans, the state has been bringing in manpower with thelevels and specialisation required by these plans, with the duration oflabour stay in the country linked to the duration of the projects.“These workers then return home with resources and expertise to helpthem improve their living conditions and contribute to the developmentof their countries of origin.”Al-Kuwari pointed out that the migration of expatriate workers to theGCC countries differs from the rest of known international migrations,which led to different systems the laws adopted by GCC states. He noted that migrants to regions such as Europe, Americas or elsewhereare often permanent migration, which requires the development oflegislation different from those involving migrants who come underfixed-term employment contracts and return to their home countries uponthe expiration of the working contracts. “While Qatar appreciates the efforts of its expatriates, whether expertsor ordinary workers, it is also keen to address the effects that largearrivals and the diversity of their nationalities and cultures can haveon the demographics and cultural characteristics of the Qatari society,”al-Kuwari said.He highlighted the consequent challenges in terms of increasing pressureon key services such as health, education and infrastructure and otherpublic services, which the state is keen to provide to ensure safe anddignified living conditions for the whole population of the country. GCC countries are among the most attractive countries for employment,with an estimated 50% of the total population being expatriates. Theselarge numbers have contributed to the achievement of ambitiousdevelopment projects in those states, but they have also led to a numberof challenges in the economic, social, political and security areas.(QNA)