The International Labour Organization (ILO) inaugurated its first project office in Qatar to support the implementation of a comprehensive programme on working conditions and labour rights in the country.
The office was officially opened in the capital Doha in the presence of Qatar’s Minister of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs Issa Saad Al Jafali Al Nuaimi, ILO Deputy Director-General for Field Operations and Partnerships Moussa Oumarou, ILO Regional Director for Arab States Ruba Jaradat, General Secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation Sharan Burrow, among others.
“Today is a special day for the State of Qatar and our friendship with the ILO,” said Minister Al Nuaimi at the opening event on Sunday. “We welcome the opening of the Office and reiterate our commitment to the implementation of this comprehensive programme which is fully in line with international standards and best practices, as well as with Qatar’s National Development Strategy 2018-2022.”
The establishment of the office follows a decision by the ILO Governing Body in November 2017 to endorse a Technical Cooperation Programme for the State of Qatar. The decision reflects the shared commitment of the Government of Qatar and the ILO to cooperate on labour-related issues during the period 2018–20. The cooperation programme forms part of the Government of Qatar’s efforts to implement numerous reforms related to employment laws and regulations as well as to provide additional guarantees that promote and protect workers’ rights.
“The opening of this office is testament to the commitment of the State of Qatar to safeguard workers’ rights,” said ILO Deputy Director-General Moussa Oumarou. “Important work remains ahead, but I am confident that by collaborating closely with our partners we will ensure decent working and living conditions for workers across Qatar.”
The cooperation programme will see ILO work with the government and other stakeholders to improve employment conditions and recruitment practices for migrant workers, ensure timely payment of wages, strengthen labour inspection and occupational safety and health standards, enhance protection from forced labour and give workers a voice in labour-related matters. In addition, it will support the implementation of numerous measures adopted by the Government of Qatar to replace the “kafala” sponsorship system with a contractual employment system.
—-ILO
