International legal experts discussed the labour law reforms introduced by Qatar at a workshop held yesterday.
The workshop was organised by Qatar Chamber, and the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs in co-operation with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the Institute for Human Rights and Business (IHRB).
Speaking at the workshop, Chief Executive Officer of IHRB, John Morrison, expressed his appreciation of Qatar’s achievements in the field of protecting labour rights.
He added that the country has set a good example for promising practices regarding labour rights, calling for an expansion in these practices and for co-operation with friends who can help in that regard.
He noted that Qatar has made real progress on the issue over the past two years.
He highlighted that the International Labour Organisation opened a new office in Qatar earlier this year, which he said reflects the good intentions of the country when it comes to enhancing workers’ rights.
He also highlighted that the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SC) took notable steps in promoting the rights of the 30,000 workers in its sector, calling on other companies to intensify their efforts and take the necessary steps in resolving any violations they could find.
He also called on them to commit to a minimum wage that guarantees an honourable life for workers, as the country prepares to host FIFA World Cup 2022.
Second Deputy of Qatar Chamber, Rashid bin Hamad al-Athba, said the State has created an appropriate working environment that protects workers’ rights and dignity.
The legislative environment of the State has witnessed the enactment of several pieces of labour legislation and the amendment of certain laws in accordance with international and ethical standards to ensure healthy working and living conditions for workers.
He stressed that the pieces of legislation issued by Qatar in recent times guarantees workers’ rights. The reforms have received praise from international organisations concerned with labour, trade union institutions, and humanitarian and human rights organisations in the world.
