The Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs (MADLSA) in Qatar has initiated a three-month-long drive to combat the practice of unlicensed nurseries in the country and raise public awareness on the issue.

Under the campaign, "Eyalak Amana" (Your Children are Precious), the Ministry will raise awareness on the risks associated with entrusting children to unlicensed nurseries.

The drive is part of MADLSA's efforts to combat the spread of unlicensed nurseries, which often operate in houses without any proper equipment.

نحن على موعد مع إطلاق حملة #عيالك_أمانة الإعلامية والتي تهدف إلى نشر الوعي حول أهمية دور الوزارة في الإشراف على دور الحضانات المرخصة ورقابتها والتحذير من الحضانات المخالفة وذلك في مؤتمر صحفي اليوم بمقر الوزارة في تمام الساعة التاسعة صباحاً#adlsaqa

— وزارة التنمية والعمل (@ADLSAQa) September 1, 2019

The environment at these unlicensed nurseries is often unsafe and unhealthy for children and does not meet the required standards set by the Ministry. 

According to the officials, several advertisements of unlicensed home nurseries have appeared in different media, particularly on social media, in recent months. 

Speaking at a press conference, Director of the Family Affairs Department at MADLSA, Najat Daham Al Abdullah emphasized the government's focus on children's wellbeing and the significance of ensuring their safety, development, and health.

The initiative is in line with Law No 1 for 2014 issued by His Highness the Amir, regulating the activities of nursery schools to protect children from the age of two months until four years.

Additionally, the campaign will also monitor licensed and authorized nurseries to make sure they provide children with an adequately safe and healthy environment for growth and development.

There are 189 licensed nurseries across the country at present, Al Abdullah specified. Several more will soon be operational as the Ministry has received a good number of applications for new nurseries. 

The official further said that MADLSA has many female inspectors with law enforcement authority to conduct monthly inspections on nurseries to ensure compliance. 

All staff members at the nurseries should be females, she said, adding that there could be a visiting male physician and security guards when necessary.

"For administrative violations such as some missing documentation or paperwork, nurseries are given a grace period of 3 to 4 days to complete them," Al Abdullah said. 

"However, when it comes to the safety and wellbeing of kids, nurseries will be given immediate warning to remove such violations, followed shortly by another, then a fine of QR10,000 to be deducted from the security sum deposited by the nursery at MADLSA," she added.

تحدث السيد علي ملهيه باحث قانوني أول بالوزارة عن أثار وتداعيات الحضانات العشوائية من خطورتها على النشأ والمجتمع وأنواع العقوبات لمن يخالف هذا القانون. #عيالك_أمانة #adlsaqa

— وزارة التنمية والعمل (@ADLSAQa) September 1, 2019

In the case of severe violations, the nursery would be closed for three months until the violation is removed.

Director of MADLSA Public Relations and Communication Department, Abdulaziz Rashid al-Kubaisi, underlined the importance of community support in making the ministry's efforts a success. He said parents must avoid entrusting their children at such establishments that operate without formal licenses. 

According to Article No 20 of Law No 1 for 2014, violating the purpose of the license or practicing activities other than those given in the license entails a maximum jail term of two years and a maximum fine of QR100,000 or any of the two penalties, highlighted Ali Malhyah, senior legal specialist at MADLSA, who also spoke about the negative impacts of unregulated nurseries. 

Furthermore, social programs co-ordinator at MADLSA, Ibrahim Ali Al Khajah mentioned that some violating nurseries have been already closed in cooperation with the authorities concerned.

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Source: Gulf Times