Careless media reporting on Qatar leaves migrant workers more vulnerable
May 29, 2015
Let’s start with the disclaimer. This is not an apology for Qatar.
Qatar
Latest articles
Qatar to implement wage protection system; doesn't fully address workers' needs
April 3, 2015
The WPS in isolation will do little to improve conditions of low-income migrant workers in the country. Qatar's failure to reform the oppressive sponsorship system shows reluctance to delve deeper into its labor market problems.
Understanding Kafala: An archaic law at cross purposes with modern development
March 22, 2015
Kafala was "supposed to be a good system that makes it incumbent upon nationals to look after non-nationals.” Today it's a tool of extreme exploitation and oppression.
In 2014, GCC Promise for domestic work reform falls short once again
January 22, 2015
Contrary to initial GCC media statements confirming the adoption of new model contract for domestic workers, sources say no new changes were discussed at the November 2014 meeting.
London students question migrant abuse at UCL Qatar Campus
January 17, 2015
Latest In Brief
February 16, 2025
Qatar’s Workers’ Support and Insurance Fund: Tall Claims and Not Enough Data
The executive director of Qatar’s Workers’ Support and Insurance Fund (WSIF), Kholoud Saif Abdullah Al Kubaisi, recently stated that “over 130,000 workers have benefitted from the fund since its establishment, including its significant contribution to protecting their rights and ensuring that they receive their financial dues.” Though Al Kubaisi spoke of the fund’s transparency and its role alongside wider reforms in “reducing labour disputes and complaints,” there are still several issues that remain unaddressed.
February 14, 2025
Qatar Launches Amnesty for Migrants with Irregular Immigration Status
Qatar has launched a three-month amnesty period starting from 9 February 2025, allowing foreign residents with irregular immigration status to exit the country without penalties. It is not clear if residents would be able to regularise their status. Workers can exit the country through Hamad International Airport, or alternatively, they can visit the Search and Follow-up Department on Salwa Road to complete departure procedures within the specified period.
June 26, 2024
Qatar’s Shura Council has suggested reintroducing exit permits for domestic workers,
Qatar’s Shura Council has suggested reintroducing exit permits for domestic workers, though it has rephrased the practice as ‘obtaining employer approval’ at least five days before departure.
September 13, 2022
Rejection of job change requests on the rise in Qatar
The number of requests for job changes and rejections are on the rise in Qatar. Moreover, the rejections of new recruitment requests have also increased drastically in the last several months, likely in an effort to reduce the number of migrant workers in the country ahead of the World Cup.
June 28, 2022
Qatar: Compulsory health insurance system introduced
Qatar's new compulsory private health insurance system for all non-citizen residents, including visitors and those employed in the public and private sectors, is being rolled out in phases. The full text of the law's executive regulations have not yet been made public.