*Arrears of workers paid in full immediately after the matter comes to the government's notice
The salaries of all the employees, who on August 4 staged a peaceful protest in the Sheehaniya area demanding their wages of three months, have been paid in full within two days of the matter coming to the notice of the authorities, it was announced on Saturday.
A statement issued by the Government Communications Office (GCO) said an investigation was launched immediately after the guest workers "conducted a peaceful strike in response to the non-payment of salaries by their employers in May, June and July 2019".
Following the investigation, the authorised signatories of the two companies in question were arrested and it was found that salaries had been delayed following a period of negative cash flow at both companies, caused by non-payments elsewhere in the supply chain.
"By August 6, 2019, after consultation with all stakeholders, the outstanding salaries of all workers were paid in full through the Wage Protection System (WPS)," the GCO said.
"Workers also have the right to change their employer due to the violation of Qatar's labour laws. The Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs (ADLSA) is co-ordinating with all workers who choose to exercise this legal right," the statement said.
"The Government of Qatar is committed to improving the Wage Protection System to ensure that workers' wages are paid on time and that wage arrears are systematically settled."
The GCO said ADLSA continues to conduct its programme of workshops throughout Qatar to raise awareness of the complaint mechanisms in place for guest workers. "If a worker identifies a workplace violation, they are encouraged to lodge a complaint at a Government Service Center or at one of Qatar's complaint kiosks.
"The Government of Qatar places the utmost importance on strengthening the rights of its guest workers and ensuring that all companies respect these rights and adhere to Qatar's labour laws," the statement added.
