DOHA, QATAR — At its session held on last Tuesday, the Governing Body of the International Labour Organization (ILO GB), reviewed the important achievements and legislative reforms undertaken by the State of Qatar as part of its ongoing efforts to promote and protect the rights of expatriate workers.
The Head of the International Labour Office in Doha presented a report on the important steps and actions made by the State of Qatar in a short period of time, and its cooperation with the ILO through the implementation of a number of programs and activities relating to the promotion of the wage protection system, the development of plans and training for Labour Inspectors, combatting trafficking in human beings, and measures relating to the recruitment process, the contract system and the strengthening of the complaint mechanisms.
The members of the Organization’s Governing Body among governments, in particular the United States Government, the Governments of the European Union and Canada, as well as the Employers ‘and Workers’ groups commended the reforms undertaken by the State of Qatar, including the abolition of the exit visas, the creation of a workers’ support fund and the creation of joint workers’ committees.
The members of the Governing Body also welcomed the constructive cooperation and the partnerships between the Government of the State of Qatar and a number of governments, including the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, the Netherlands, as well as with the social partners – the International Organization for Employers (IOE), the International Federation of Building and Wood Workers (BWI) and the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF).
From His Side, HE Mohammed Hassan Al Obaidli, Assistant Undersecretary for Labor Affairs at the meeting, stressed the cooperation and desire of the State of Qatar to ensure a productive working environment that is beneficial to all parties in the work system and to abide by the international labor standards and the ratified conventions and to continue with all partners to provide a safe working environment and protect the rights and interests of all parties of.
He extended thanks and appreciation to the partners of the State of Qatar from governments and employers ‘and workers’ organizations for their support of the efforts of the State and the International Labor Office in achieving activities and objectives of the Technical Cooperation Programme.
