EU Applauds Qatar’s Labor Laws Reforms

EU Applauds Qatar’s Labor Laws Reforms

The annual report of the European Union “Human Rights and Democracy in the World 2021” praised the labor laws reforms in the State of Qatar, such as the abolition of the sponsorship system and the implementation of the minimum wage decision; noting that they are positive steps in labor law reforms, and that the year 2021 witnessed strong labor reforms in Qatar.

The EU report said that these new reforms made Qatar the first country in the region that allows all workers to change jobs before their contracts expire without the consent of the employer.

The report valued the relationship of the National Human Rights Committee and its regular interaction with the institutions of the European Parliament, and Qatar’s invitation to the European Union agency (EUSR) to visit the country.

The EU report pointed to the implementation of the new minimum wage for all workers last year, including foreign workers.

According to the EU report, Qatar is the second country in the Gulf region to set a minimum wage for migrant workers, indicating that these changes also apply to migrant workers who are not subject to labor law, such as domestic workers.

The Government of the State of Qatar has set the minimum wage for all workers in all sectors in the country, including domestic workers, at QR 1,000 per month as a basic wage, as well as QR 500 per month allocated by the employer for accommodation expenses and QR 300 per month for food, unless the employer already provides adequate food or accommodation for the employee.

The measures adopted by the State of Qatar with regard to reforms related to workers’ rights are a real indication that the State of Qatar is taking firm strides towards preserving these rights, in line with its international, regional and national commitments, and in the context of improving the living conditions of workers in the State of Qatar. These reforms reinforce the basic human rights principles and work to reduce violations of workers’ rights.

Source : QNA