August 21, 2020
Saudi Arabia has implemented a slew of reforms to its complaints mechanisms in recent years, including establishing labour courts and bringing many of its services online. But obstacles to justice persist for many workers, who lack clear information on procedures and rights and little access to support.
November 3, 2019
In one-to-one interviews and focus groups, female migrant workers in Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain recounted their experiences with violence in the workplace and how they navigated formal and informal grievance mechanisms. Through their insights, we aim to provide a better understanding of the current status quo and offer recommendations to prevent and improve government response to gender-based violence. Using Feminist Participatory Action Research methods, the report’s findings and recommendations are predominantly those of the participants.
Kuwait’s Public Authority for Manpower has announced plans to fully digitize labour complaints in the private sector, eliminating in-person visits except for hearings. A new Ministerial Order also bans companies violating work permit rules from hiring new workers.
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.
Migrants can now lodge complaints and requests in Hindi, in an effort Abu Dhabi says is aimed at improving access to justice and attracting foreign investment.
