DOHA – The International Labour Organisation (ILO) Board of Directors has praised the important legislative achievements and reforms adopted by the State of Qatar in its ongoing efforts to promote and protect the rights of expatriate workers.
The ILO 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 organisation through the implementation of a number of programs and activities relating to the promotion of the wage protection system, development plans and training for Labour Inspectors, combatting human trafficking, recruitment process, the contract system and the strengthening of the complaint mechanisms.
Members of the Governing Body of the organisation, in particular the governments of United States, European Union and Canada, as well as the Employers ‘and Workers’ groups praised the reforms undertaken by the Qatar, including the abolition of the exit visas, the creation of a workers’ support fund and the creation of joint workers’ committees.
The ILO members 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).
Mohammed Hassan Al Obaidly, Assistant Under-secretary for Labour Affairs at the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs, said during the meeting that Qatar is willing to ensure a productive working environment for all parties of the work system in compliance with international labour standards and ratified conventions, and to ensure close cooperation with all partners to provide a safe working environment and protecting the rights and interests of all production parties.
He expressed Qatar’s appreciation to the partners of friendly 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.
