Qatar has been pulling all the stops to ensure the rights of migrant workers in the country.
In recent years, the country has intensified its measures to safeguard the welfare of its workers and has garnered the appreciation of international labor bodies that have recognized Qatar’s commitment toward ensuring workers’ rights.
Now, in a watershed moment for migrant workers in Qatar, the country's Council of Ministers has unanimously agreed to new legislation permitting workers to change employers freely.
Under the legislation, the workers will no longer need a 'No Objection Certificate' (NOC) from their current employer to switch to another company.
BREAKING: Qatar has announced sweeping reforms to its labour market, with a view to ending the kafala system and marking a momentous step forward in upholding the rights of migrant workers. https://t.co/Mn4nSnWJ2a
— ILO (@ilo) October 16, 2019
The landmark reforms will see the country abolish the kafala system by January 2020 according to a statement by the International Labor Organization (ILO).
"A Ministerial Decree by the Minister of Interior was also signed, removing exit permit requirements for all workers, except military personnel," the statement adds.
Moreover, in a first-of-its-kind step in the region, the Council of Ministers has also approved of a new law to set a non-discriminatory minimum wage.
Minister of @ADLSAQa just announced the abolishment of Kafala at the ILO Centenary event in Doha! No more exit visa for anyone! No more NOC to change employer and a non discriminatory minimum wage by Jan 2020!!! Congratulations #Qatar @ILOQatar pic.twitter.com/TnG7N1xBVk
— Houtan Homayounpour (@Houtan_ILO) October 16, 2019
The ILO statement further highlights that based on the decision on exit permits "domestic workers; workers in government and public institutions; workers employed at sea and in agriculture; as well as casual workers are free to leave the country either temporarily or permanently without having to obtain the permission of their employers."
"The establishment of a non-discriminatory minimum wage that applies to all nationalities and all sectors will guarantee a minimum level of protection for all workers. The minimum-wage level will be set later in the year, based on a joint study already completed by the ILO and the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs (ADLSA)," according to ILO.
The drafts laws will next be studied by the Advisory (Shura) Council before being signed off and approved by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
The new legislation is expected to come into effect by early next year.
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