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Tribune News Network
Doha
The International Labour Organization (ILO) has welcomed the new labour reforms by Qatar.
“In a historic move, Qatar has introduced major changes to its labour market, ending the requirement for migrant workers to obtain their employer’s permission to change jobs, while also becoming the first country in the region to adopt a non-discriminatory minimum wage,” the ILO said on Sunday.
“By introducing these significant changes, Qatar has delivered on a commitment -- one that will give workers more freedom and protection, and employers more choice. We are witnessing what can be achieved when governments, workers and employers work together with the ILO to promote decent work for all,” Guy Ryder, the ILO director general, said.
The ILO said this new law, coupled with the removal of exit permit requirements earlier in the year, effectively dismantles the “kafala” sponsorship system and marks the beginning of a new era for the Qatari labour market.
“History made today! All workers can now change jobs (no more NOC!) and non-discriminatory monthly minimum wage adopted. Momentous steps in labour reform process in Qatar,” said ILO Project Office for the State of Qatar (@ILOQatar).
“Today, the State of Qatar has announced the abolishment of the No-Objection Certificate (NoC) requirement, meaning that workers are no longer required to obtain a NOC from their current employer to change jobs. This is great news for every one. In parallel, the government has also announced the adoption of a non-discriminatory minimum wage, meaning no matter where are you from and no matter what sector you are working, you are entitled to the same minimum level of wage across the country and across all sectors. These are fantastic announcements. They will transform the labour market in the State of Qatar and will benefit workers, employers and the country alike. We congratulate the State of Qatar on these fantastic achievements,” Houtan Homayounpour, Head of the ILO Project Office in Qatar, said.
Sharan Burrow, General Secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) said, “This is very good news for migrant workers in Qatar. The leadership shown by Qatar in dismantling the kafala system and introducing a minimum wage is long-awaited news for all workers. The ITUC stands ready to support the Government of Qatar in the implementation of this historic move, to ensure all workers are aware of the new rules and benefit from them. Other countries in the region should follow Qatar’s example.”
Roberto Suárez Santos Secretary-General of the International Organisation of Employers (IOE) said, “These reforms will make a major contribution to the efficiency and productivity of the Qatar labour market. IOE stands ready to support the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Government in supporting employers during this transition. Our congratulations to Qatar and its Chamber of Commerce!”
Doha
The International Labour Organization (ILO) has welcomed the new labour reforms by Qatar.
“In a historic move, Qatar has introduced major changes to its labour market, ending the requirement for migrant workers to obtain their employer’s permission to change jobs, while also becoming the first country in the region to adopt a non-discriminatory minimum wage,” the ILO said on Sunday.
“By introducing these significant changes, Qatar has delivered on a commitment -- one that will give workers more freedom and protection, and employers more choice. We are witnessing what can be achieved when governments, workers and employers work together with the ILO to promote decent work for all,” Guy Ryder, the ILO director general, said.
The ILO said this new law, coupled with the removal of exit permit requirements earlier in the year, effectively dismantles the “kafala” sponsorship system and marks the beginning of a new era for the Qatari labour market.
“History made today! All workers can now change jobs (no more NOC!) and non-discriminatory monthly minimum wage adopted. Momentous steps in labour reform process in Qatar,” said ILO Project Office for the State of Qatar (@ILOQatar).
“Today, the State of Qatar has announced the abolishment of the No-Objection Certificate (NoC) requirement, meaning that workers are no longer required to obtain a NOC from their current employer to change jobs. This is great news for every one. In parallel, the government has also announced the adoption of a non-discriminatory minimum wage, meaning no matter where are you from and no matter what sector you are working, you are entitled to the same minimum level of wage across the country and across all sectors. These are fantastic announcements. They will transform the labour market in the State of Qatar and will benefit workers, employers and the country alike. We congratulate the State of Qatar on these fantastic achievements,” Houtan Homayounpour, Head of the ILO Project Office in Qatar, said.
Sharan Burrow, General Secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) said, “This is very good news for migrant workers in Qatar. The leadership shown by Qatar in dismantling the kafala system and introducing a minimum wage is long-awaited news for all workers. The ITUC stands ready to support the Government of Qatar in the implementation of this historic move, to ensure all workers are aware of the new rules and benefit from them. Other countries in the region should follow Qatar’s example.”
Roberto Suárez Santos Secretary-General of the International Organisation of Employers (IOE) said, “These reforms will make a major contribution to the efficiency and productivity of the Qatar labour market. IOE stands ready to support the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Government in supporting employers during this transition. Our congratulations to Qatar and its Chamber of Commerce!”
