DOHA: Majority of employers retain passports of migrant workers, a survey conducted by Qatar University’s Social and Economic Survey Research Institute (SESRI) has found.
Passports of 86 percent of 721 migrant workers are withheld by their employers, according to the results of the third annual omnibus survey — A Survey of Life in Qatar — released yesterday.
However, there was a slight improvement in figures compared to 2011 survey, which showed 91 percent surrendered their passport and only eight percent had themt in their possession.
Survey also found that employment agencies continue to be the main source of finding a job for migrant workers in Qatar. About 46 percent respondents found their first job through an agency and 84 percent of them had to pay a fee.
Another 23 percent have landed jobs through family members and 22 percent through friends. The six-day-week is a norm for 90 percent migrant workers, while they work an average of 9.3 hours per day. Despite long working hours, nearly 69 percent of migrant workers are satisfied with their jobs.
The survey interviewed a random, representative sample of 2,354 Qataris (788 households), resident expatriates (845 households) besides migrant labourers. They were interviewed face-to-face in six languages about a range of issues of importance to Qatari society.
Respondents were also asked about their attitudes and activities relating to parenting, charity, politics, gender issues and the media.
“The findings give a fascinating snapshot of life and are invaluable in helping us understand how society in Qatar has developed over the years, and so how we can best deploy our resources to meet people’s needs, now and in the future,” said Dr Darwish Al Emadi, Director of SESRI during a briefing at Qatar University.
Respondents to the survey identified the economy as the most important national-level consideration. Some 57 percent of Qataris and 61 percent of expatriates said that it should be the state’s top priority over the next 10 years. Unity of the GCC was an issue which 14 percent of Qataris and eight per cent of expatriates considered a key national priority. Meanwhile, maintaining social and political order is the top individual priority for 66 percent Qataris and 47 percent expatriates.
The findings on family and marriage provide an interesting insight into the ideal versus the reality. Questioned about the ideal age for men and women to get married, respondents answered that it should be 25 years for men and 21 for women. However, the average actual age for first marriage in Qatar is 27 for men and 24 for women.
Half of all parents surveyed said they always or often threaten to punish their children for poor behaviour, but do not follow through with the actions.
This year’s findings on the education for women show society appreciates the importance of women receiving higher education. Ninety seven percent of respondents said higher education helps to improve employment prospects.
Questioned about media, for 70 percent Qataris and 62 percent expatriates TV remains the most trusted source of news. Al Jazeera is the most frequently watched TV news channel, while Qatar TV is next most trusted by Qataris. Al Arabiya, BBC News (12 percent) and CNN International are also networks trusted by expatriates.
While technology is all-pervasive in life in Qatar, expatriates use computers more frequently than Qataris . They are also more likely to receive or send an email, find news on the Internet and to sign on to Facebook. Only 12 percent of expatriates and eight percent of Qataris reported using Twitter.
The Peninsula
