DOHA: Qatar said yesterday it was still working on the new sponsorship system and it is likely to be finalised next year.
The new system will be based on the job contract signed between a foreign worker and his employer. “The traditional sponsorship system we currently have in place cannot keep pace with our vision of modern Qatar,” said Qatar’s Permanent Representative at the UN in Geneva.
“We expect to make progress on developing the new sponsorship system by next year,” said Faisal bin Abdullah Al Hanzab.
The present sponsorship system was introduced to help protect the rights of workers and their employers but it is not suitable for Qatar anymore, said Al Hanzab. He was speaking at a meeting of the International Labor Organiation (ILO) on labour situation in Qatar.
About the exit permit, he said it was being removed and hinted that it was being made contract-based.
And even in the case of those workers whose contract would specify that they need an exit permit but they fail to get one while wanting to leave the country, an electronic system would make sure they get it within 72 hours at the most.
The official said that on an experimental basis, online systems are being introduced whereby workers will be able to file complaints against their employers in their own languages.
From last September the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs has increased the number of inspectors to 268 and brought more facilities under the purview of inspection with the aim of protecting labour rights.
Plans are afoot to keep increasing the number of labour inspectors until full compliance of the labour law is ensured.
“Foreign workers are our guests. They are contributing greatly to Qatar’s development. It is our responsibility to look after them just as we are looking after our own people.”
Al Hanzab said that Qatar has invited ILO representatives to pay visits here to know the labour situation, Qatar News Agency reported.
He said after Qatar won the bid to host the coveted 2022 FIFA World Cup it has developed a comprehensive strategy to help improve the labour situation and bring it on a par with international standards.
The strategy has been developed by the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The ILO will be providing technical assistance to Qatar in areas like inspection and occupational health and safety.
The Peninsula
DOHA: Qatari companies, in close collaboration with the government, will be building housing for as many as 1.5 million people who would be engaged on development projects linked to the 2022 FIFA World Cup as well as other infrastructure projects.
Qatar’s Permanent Representative at the UN in Geneva, Faisal bin Abdullah Al Hanzab, said the above-cited housing stocks will be built as per international standards.
Recounting the various steps Qatar has taken and is still taking to help improve labour situation, Al Hanzab said new laws are being framed to ensure the rights of workers are protected in an effective way.
The Peninsula
