Doha: The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has commended Qatar for its unprecedented pace and depth of labour reforms, describing the country as a model for the region and a global reference point in promoting workers’ welfare and social justice.
In an exclusive interview with The Peninsula on the sidelines of the Second World Summit for Social Development, ILO Country Director for Qatar Francesco d’Ovidio (pictured) lauded the country’s achievements since 2018, when the ILO established its office in Doha, marking a new era of cooperation aimed at improving labour standards and workers’ rights.
According to d’Ovidio, Qatar’s transformation in the labour sector over the past seven years has been nothing short of remarkable. “I have never seen such a pace of reforms in a short period. Every year we have seen a milestone—from the abolishment of the kafala system and the introduction of the Non-Objection Certificate (NOC) for job mobility, to heat stress legislation and the establishment of joint labour committees,” he said.
He noted that these reforms represented “significant departures from long-standing cultural practices” but were carried out in a way that harmonises respect for human and labour rights with Qatari social and cultural values.
“These are very important milestones in a short time. Many countries around the world take decades to achieve what Qatar has accomplished in just seven years,” d’Ovidio emphasised.
The ILO official attributed Qatar’s success to strong political will, sustained government commitment, and effective collaboration with international partners. He pointed out that the country’s leadership had demonstrated genuine ambition not only to reform but also to serve as a role model for others in the region.
“What is important is the political will. If other countries have the same commitment, then Qatar can show how it has been done,” he said.
He added that such progress could be replicated elsewhere through data sharing, technical cooperation, and transparency.
D’Ovidio stressed that the ILO’s role in Qatar remains neutral and technical, focusing on supporting the government and institutions in implementing reforms efficiently and sustainably. “We are here to support technically, in a very transparent and efficient way. Labour reform is never over—it’s an evolving process everywhere in the world,” he noted.
While Qatar’s labour reforms received global attention during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, d’Ovidio highlighted the importance of maintaining momentum beyond major events. “We need to ensure that the same level of attention and accountability continues,” he said. He revealed that new opportunities, such as Qatar’s candidacy to host the Olympic Games, could further strengthen the country’s reform trajectory. “We are here to help if needed,” he said, referring to discussions between the ILO Director-General and the Minister of Labour on future collaboration.
Among the ongoing priorities, d’Ovidio identified the finalisation of legislation on joint committees to promote social dialogue and worker participation.
“We now need to shift gears and make sure it becomes law. The ILO is ready to support with the bylaws and operational models,” he stated.
Beyond labour rights, d’Ovidio praised Qatar for embracing innovation and technology in governance and social development. “Qatar is not scared of innovation. You see it everywhere—from buildings to digital systems. It’s a laboratory for innovation,” he said. He also linked Qatar’s progress to the broader global discussions on decent work, social protection, and inclusion, themes prominently featured at the World Summit for Social Development held recently in Doha. The ILO’s presence at the summit, he said, reinforced its long-term partnership with Qatar in advancing the decent work agenda.
As he settles into his role, d’Ovidio outlined his personal goals and the ILO’s priorities for the coming years. Chief among them is completing the work on social dialogue mechanisms and supporting the government’s efforts on “Qatarisation,” ensuring greater participation of nationals in the workforce.
“We want to help in skill matching and provide technical support to increase Qatari employment in the public sector,” he said. Another major focus, he added, would be strengthening protections for domestic workers — a group identified as particularly vulnerable.
Reflecting on the journey so far, d’Ovidio concluded that Qatar’s partnership with the ILO demonstrates what is possible when commitment and collaboration align.
“Qatar has shown that labour reforms can be both ambitious and achievable. It has become a beacon for the region — and for the world — on how progress, when backed by political will, can translate into lasting social justice.”
