Qatar is working hard towards implementing total labour reforms in the second phase of the National Development Strategy 2018-22 under the title ‘competent and committed workforce sector’.
Minister of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs H E Yousef bin Mohammed Al Othman Fakhro said, “The projects aim at developing the current wage protection system, establishing a minimum wage, attracting a skilled workforce and ensuring that workers’ voices are heard through an improved complaint mechanisms and setting up of joint labour committees.” He was speaking at an event to mark International Workers’ Day under the theme ‘Qatar’s Contribution on Protecting Workers’ Rights and ILO Centennial’ on Wednesday.
He noted the labour reform projects aim at strengthening the capacity of labour inspectors, training and qualifying them to carry out their tasks and conducting awareness campaigns, information, counselling and guidance, all for the benefit of workers as well as employers.
He said, “Qatar has attached great importance to the mutual rights and obligations of employers and workers and has committed itself to the need to provide care and protection to this factor and to create a safe and stable work environment that increases productivity safeguarding their rights, health and safety.”
He added, “Qatar is witnessing all-out development, especially in the economic, developmental and social fields. This unprecedented development has attracted large numbers of expatriate workers who make their contribution in the social and economic development of the country.”
He said Qatar has made continuous efforts to implement measures and reforms and upgrade labour laws and job markets in response to the growing importance of issues of employment, labour and workers in Qatar. He stressed Qatar has paid close attention to the mutual rights and obligations of employers and workers and has committed itself to providing care and protection to the worker and creating a safe and stable work environment that enhances productivity without compromising rights, health and safety.
Also speaking at the event, Capt. Nasser Ali Al Khalaf, Head of the Visa Section at the Ministry of Interior, said Qatar visa centres will be opened in the Philippines in August. He pointed out eight visa centres had been opened in India, two in Bangladesh and two in Pakistan. He added that the aim of these centres is to facilitate the worker and the employer, where all services are carried out in the country of the worker.