QNA
Doha
Qatar National Day embodies the revival of glorious days in the country’s history and inspires memories and aspirations for its people and generations, said Minister of Labour HE Dr Ali bin Saeed bin Smaikh Al Marri.
On this occasion, which has a major historical, cultural and humanitarian significance, the minister extended his warm congratulations to the Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who has been keen, since he assumed power in the country, to ensure that Qatar always occupies a position where people progress and prosper, within the framework of a comprehensive vision of economic and social development.
Dr Marri valued the major achievements made by Qatar under the wise leadership of HH the Amir in various fields.
He said, “In the midst of this festive atmosphere, we take advantage of the gains and achievements that have been made in our beloved Qatar in recent years, thanks to the hard work and sincere cooperation of its loyal people, as well as a leadership that has built the pillars of excellence and progress for a promising future with prosperity and growth.”
The minister reviewed the achievements made in various labour sectors, based on the country’s keenness to protect the rights of workers - citizens and residents - in recognition of their essential role, as they built lofty industrial and productive edifices that inspire pride and honour.
He pointed out that the concerted and unified efforts of workers, government and employers had a huge impact and effective contribution in strengthening the national march towards further development, prosperity and progress.
He highlighted the significant reforms that Qatar has made in recent years in the labour market, through the development and modernisation of many laws and procedures to promote and protect the rights of migrant workers, such as canceling the residents’ exit permit, allowing employees to freely change their employer without the need for a non-objection certificate, setting a minimum wage, announcing the establishment of Qatar visa centres abroad, and establishing a fund to support and secure workers, in addition to providing them with a safe and secured work environment.
The reforms also included a law limiting working hours during summer by prohibiting work in the heat hours during the day, setting up committees for labour dispute settlement and a wage protection system, he added.
The minister underlined more reforms that have been made, including tightening oversight to ensure compliance with the approved standards of occupational health and safety in workplaces and housing, and the issuance of a law to regulate and protect the rights of domestic workers, as well as the approval of the Shura Council in April 2021 on a new draft law providing a mandatory health insurance for all residents and visitors, in addition to developing the labor complaints mechanism, establishing a hotline, and providing 11 self-service complaints devices that work in 11 languages in the branches of the Labour Relations Department at the Ministry of Labour.
He congratulated the Qatari people and workers - citizens and residents - on the country’s National Day with its major historical, cultural and humanitarian significance, as well as the hopes and aspirations it inspires, expressing his wishes that everyone, including the World Cup guests, will enjoy the activities of this national occasion.
