DOHA: Qatar’s recent decision to raise the minimum wage of workers has been welcomed by envoys to Doha.
Nepalese Ambassador Dr Narad Nath Bharadwaj said the decision is a forward-looking initiative that has addressed a long-standing grievance persisting in the workers’ community.
He said the abolition of the requirement for the no-objection certificate (NOC) from employers for changing jobs has given workers’ freedom to choose jobs.
Indian Ambassador Deepak Mittal stated: “We welcome and appreciate significant labour reform measures announced by Qatar, including raising the minimum wage and easing lateral movement of immigrant workers.”
Chinese Ambassador Zhou Jiang tweeted the labour reforms by Qatar are a historical step, a remarkable achievement and shows the government’s commitment to the care of migrant workers and human rights.
Vietnamese Ambassador Nguyen Dinh Thao noted many of is fellow citizens are working in Qatar and the decision would protect their rights. Charge d’Affaires at the Indonesian Embassy Maulana Syahid said: “We see the decision as a significant change to benefit migrant workers in Qatar.”
Pakistani Ambassador Syed Ahsan Raza Shah said: “The new rules are in line with the commitment of the State of Qatar towards providing a conducive, healthy and productive environment coupled with greater freedom and protection for expatriate workers.”
Charge d’Affaires at the Sri Lankan Embassy Kohularangan Ratnasingam said: “It is a very timely move by the government and will benefit many Sri Lankan and other expatriate workers. The new laws will also encourage more skilled workers to come here. Setting the minimum wage for all private sector workers will ensure the safety of the workers.”