89% of workers benefit from labour laws: Ministry

Doha: The State of Qatar is constantly keen and always stresses that a safe and healthy work environment is a necessity, and that the safety of workers is a priority for it.

Qatar’s efforts in this regard are not exerted to satisfy a particular party, states, individuals or organisations, but they are based on a religious, moral, humanitarian and constitutional standpoint, and in accordance with the authentic customs and traditions of its people, as well as their civilisational values in terms of generous hospitality.

There is no doubt that the pace of these efforts has increased and witnessed environmental reforms, and the labour market witnessed many positive changes, that were praised by all concerned parties, especially the International Labour Organisation (ILO), which opened its office in Doha.

The report, issued by the ILO office in Qatar, affirmed the Qatari government’s implementation of reforms, the Ministry of Labour’s keenness on the continuity of labour legislative reforms and the continuation of the partnership with the organisation beyond the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, through cooperation programmes in the development and modernisation of reforms and legislation with various international organisations.

This was confirmed by Assistant Undersecretary for Labour Affairs at the Ministry Mohammed Hassan Al Obaidli in exclusive statements to Qatar News Agency (QNA) as he explained that the technical cooperation with the ILO in previous years came at the request of the State of Qatar, noting that the joint programmes and projects have enhanced opportunities to benefit from international experiences and apply global standards in the labour sector.

In this context, he said that Qatar has become a role model in the region in the field of labour, and it will start showing its distinguished initiatives at the Asian labour ministers conference to be held at the end of this year in Singapore.

Al Obaidli hailed the commitment of Qatari employers and companies to labour laws and legislation, noting the active role and positive participation of Qatar Chamber and its participation in the implementation of many pioneering programmes and projects to develop labour environment, within technical cooperation with the International Labour Organisation.

He explained that the ministry has implemented plans and training programmes, with the aim of strengthening and building the capabilities of its employees in partnership with a number of international organizations, centres and institutes, adding that these training programs contributed to raising the capabilities of employees.

He pointed out that the State of Qatar has always believed in constructive dialogue, cooperation and coordination with various international and human rights organizations, in the interest of the country’s labour market, adding that the laws and reforms that have been implemented come within the development strategy and in implementation of the Qatar National Vision 2030.

Few labour complaints were received by the ministry, compared to the number of workers in the country, he said, noting that about 89 percent of workers in the country have benefited from the labour laws and legislation, according to a survey conducted by the Institute of Research and Studies at Qatar University.