Qatari ministry of labor report

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Here is the report prepared by the Qatari ministry of labor, including the positive statements, made by the international organizations regarding the position of the migrant workers in the State of Qatar, aiming to reflect the real situation of workers, enjoying the privileges, increasing the minimum wage for all private sector workers, including domestic workers, as well the accommodation provided and the other allowances, besides the insurance and health care.

The testimonies of the international organizations:

ILO, The African trade Union, ITUC-Asia, The European Parliament, Building and Wood Workers International, Marc Taralla MEP, FIFA, Migrant Forum in Ashia, OIOM UN MIGRATION,IDWF, International Trade Union Confederation ITUC, International Transport Workers on the above mentioned regards, refute any allegations, that reflects a negative images of the immigrant workers in the state of Qatar.


ILO Project Office for the State of Qatar

ILO Project Office for the State of Qatar published a report in December 2021 entitled: Progress report on the technical cooperation programme between the Government of Qatar and the ILO, in which it highlighted that:


"In March 2021 QataHs first non-discriminatory minimum wage came into force after a six-month transition period, applying to all workers regardless of their nationality and occupation, including domestic workers. In addition to a minimum monthly basic wage of 1,000 Qatari Riyals (QAR), the Law stipulates that employers must provide decent accommodation and food. or monthly allowances of at least QAR 500 for housing and QAR 300 for food. Between February and September 2021, over 280,000 workers or approximately 13 per cent of the total workforce in the private sector have seen their basic wage increase to the minimum threshold and many more have benefited from the new requirements on allowances."


"The Wage Protection System (WPS) is now able to better detect additional violations. A new version of Salary Information File that employers must submit includes a more detailed breakdown of the wage, including specific fields for allowances and any deductions."


Max Tunon Head of ILO Project Office for the State of Qatar gave a speech on the OSH day, 28 April 2022, in which he said that:

"In Qatar, we've seen a high degree of participation and engagement from all quarters. This is evident from the mix of speakers and participants in the room today. From several ministries and government entities, from major public clients and contractors, from workers' representatives in OSH committees and joint committees, from global unions like the BWI and ITF, from professional associations of safety officers, like IOSH; And importantly. the international partnerships that the Ministry of Labour has cultivated. represented today by the participation of the UKs Health and Safety Executive."



issued a press release on the end of its delegation's mission to Qatar on 21 February 2021, in which it stated:


"Qatar has established several best practice initiatives such as the elimination of exit visas; freedom to change employers, which have led to the progressive reform of the Kafala sponsorship system; instituted a national minimum wage payment that includes accommodation and feeding and those who opt out of company accommodation and feeding provisions have the option of being paid in lieu. The reforms have also delivered improved health and safety requirements in construction sites and anywhere temperature exceeds a certain degree; signing of labour contracts in a designated location (Qatar Visa Centres) before migrant workers' departure to avoid discrepancies upon arrival in Qatar, and the establishment of workers' representative council."


ITUC-Asia issued a press statement on 15 March 2022 entitled: ITUC-Asia Pacific Mission to Qatar. Major advances in labour reform set a solid platform for worker protection beyond 2022, in which it said:


"The mission welcomes the significant advances in the remuneration and working conditions of migrant workers in Qatar and complements the government for its continued commitment. Qatar is by far the regional leader in terms of workers' participation and social dialogue, labour mobility, labour law and international cooperation and transparency."

"The mission, the ITIJC and the ITUC-Asia Pacific would like to thank the government of Qatar for its time and hospitality and commends its openness to frank discussions as part of an ongoing and constructive dialogue and the ILO for facilitating the mission."


The European Parliament press room issued a statement on 17 May 2022 entitled:

Qatar: statement by European Parliament's Human Rights Subcommittee Chair Maria Arena, in which it stated:

"Since 2018. many reforms have been adopted with the impetus of the Qatar National Human Rights committee and the action of the Minister of Labour,

Dr Ali Al Marri. These include the abolition of the Kafala system. workerS mobility. the introduction of the minimum wage. workplace health and safety mechanisms. the creation of a social fund, the establishment of collective bargaining arrangements, and more. These reforms are important, but they need to be correctly implemented, evaluated and followed up. which is why we welcome the International Labour Organisation's engagement as a partner in implementing these reforms.


Dietmar Schäfers, Deputy-President of the Building and Wood Workers' International at OSH Conference also said:

"I also want to acknowledge the rapid progress on legislation and regulation that has been made here in Qatar to achieve fundamental rights and freedoms for migrant workers. This includes important provision on health and safety regulations, and the more recent measures to protect workers from heat stress, extending a ban on outdoor work during the peak heat season and making annual health checks mandatory."


The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security policy's report entitled: 2021 Annual report on human rights and democracy in the world. The report noted that:

"The Qatari NationalHuman Rights Committee has established regular interaction with EU institutions and Qatar invited the EUSR for Human Rights to visit the country."

"The dismantling of the sponsorship/kafala system, a positive step in labour laws reforms: In 2027, Qatar launched robust labour reforms, notably the dismantling of the sponsorship/ kafala system (which grants excessive powers to the employer over the employee) in 2027, and introduced a minimum wage for all workers, including foreign workers representing 88% of the countrys population. With these new reforms, Qatar is the first country in the Arab Gulf region to allow all migrant workers to change jobs before the end of their contracts without first obtaining their employeds consent."


Of course, in the context of the world, I think that Europe is probably is the default. We know that the minimum wage in Qatar is higher than in Romania and Bulgaria. We are not perfect in Europe. I think that the model in Belgium, Germany, France, Netherlands, Sweden and other countries regarding the social protection of workers is important, and I think that going to this model is an evolution where all workers are protected and they can get health care, money, pension when they are retired. It is fundamental. and I think our model is not perfect. I mentioned that we have a lack of workers' rights in Europe, because Europe is 27 countries, with several levels of life. I give you an example: the minimum wage is different in 22 countries. But it is IOx more higher in Luxembourg than in Romania. So there's a huge difference. - Marc Tarabella MEP co-chair of Parliament's Bureau of the Sports Group and ViceChair DARP Delegation for relations with the Arab Peninsula






«We have to acknowledge the important progress that has been achieved in Qatar over the last decade» said FIFA President Gianni Infantino. "Landmark legislative reforms have been introduced and have already brought concrete benefits for hundreds of thousands of migrant workers. «I am pleased to see the strong commitment from the Qatari authorities to ensure the reforms are fully implemented across the labour market, leaving a lasting legacy of the FIFA World Cup long after the event, and benefiting migrant workers in the host country in the long term. Challenges still remain - like in many other countries around the worldbut the progress achieved in the recent past is undeniable, as is the commitment to bring about positive social change."- Gianni Infantino, FIFA President


MIGRANT FORUM

Migrant Forum in Asia

New legislation in #Qqtqr provides greater protection to #workers from heat stress. Prohibited summertime working hours expanded by four weeks and annual health checks for workers introduced.


IOM's mission in Qatar and the National Human Rights Committee of Qatar

QATARNHRC have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on 28 June 2021. The aim is to boost coordination in promoting human rights, migrant rights & combatting human trafficking.




MIGRANT FORUM

Migrant Forum in Asia

The Mission of the IOM in Qatar and the Qatar National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) signed a MOU with the aim of enhancing coordination in the field of promoting human rights, the rights of combating human trafficking.



International Domestic Workers Federation IDWF

Encouraging news from Qatar on Oct 17, the Council of Ministers of the state of Qatar announced the endorsement of "new legislation allowing workers to change employers freely"



International Trade Union Confederation ITUC ITUC CSI IGB

The IlO and Government of Qatar have published a new report on health and safety provisions for workers in Qatar demonstrating a new level of openness and transparency in support of workers' rights.


International Transport Worker' Federation (ITF)

Qatar's Ministry of Labor and ITF Global have signed an historic agreement to give transport workers the right to form joint committees and work towards achieving full unions.




International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF)

Good news for transport workers in Qatar-the ITF, @ADLSAQa have run their first forum for 100+ workers informing them about their rights and labour law changes in 2020

International Transport

Worker' Federation (ITF)

The ITF, the @ilo and the government Of Qatar have agreed to work together for the good of all transport workers. "We believe that the government of Qatar is fully committed to workers' rights generally.»

#Buhayilog: How to Revive Asia’s Rivers

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“We work all day to clean this river. Do you know that tomorrow, new trash will flow down from the uplands to again cover this riverbank with garbage?” says Junjun Brinola, a River Ranger from Imus in Cavite. “Our job never ends, but it’s okay with us. At least we’ll always have work.”

Like his fellow rangers, Junjun spent years as a basurero or wastepicker before finally landing a job as a government ranger. Now his 14-man team scours the Imus River and other waterways for garbage. But where does all the trash come from?

Project ASEANO, an international initiative to combat river waste, commissioned several studies to trace the sources of plastic pollution in the Imus River in Cavite, a rapidly-growing province south of Manila in the Philippines. Among the contributors of plastic waste are Food Service Enterprises (FSEs) like restaurants, plus households, which generate enormous amounts of garbage, especially from disposable sando-bags and sachets.

 

Understanding Sachet Culture

“Sachets have always been vilified, but they are socio-economic equalizers, allowing less-privileged people to taste and experience what wealthier people regularly consume,” explains Marvi Aguilar, a researcher from DLSU Dasmariñas. A 1.8-gram coffee sachet for instance, costs as little as PHP6, compared to PHP600 for a 300-gram jar of the same coffee. The cost difference makes it an obvious choice for minimum wage earners.

Sachets are most commonly sold in sari-sari stores, ubiquitous Filipino neighborhood stores which sell repacked goods ranging from rice to cigarettes. “Sari-sari stores sell what regular people can easily afford from a day’s wage,” shares Amy Demetillo, a sari-sari store owner from Dasmariñas. “Families can easily budget the available finances of their households because they buy only what they need, even if it’s just enough to cook a single meal.”

Though they generate significant amounts of waste, sari-sari stores help improve the lives of regular people, even becoming a lifeline for those who make next to nothing.

“Sachet culture is ingrained not just in the Philippines, but in many impoverished communities around the world, particularly in developing countries. We can’t just ban them, so a better solution might be to shift to biodegradable sachet packaging,” recommends Dr. Edwin Lineses of DLSU-Dasmariñas.

For used sachets, upcycling can be a solution. “Here in Imus, we have a facility which turns used sachets into handy items like grocery bags, which are durable and waterproof,” says Imus CENRO eco-aid Nerea Defensor.

Another waste contributor is the Food Service Industry (FSI), whose kiosks and restaurants generate enormous amounts of garbage, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, where take-out deliveries became the norm.

Many establishments are doing their part to minimize in-store waste. “We only give straws to our drive-through customers,” shares Lodde Navarro, who works for an international fast-food chain. “Dine-in customers are given metal utensils, plus durable plastic plates and cups. We also ask those who order take-out meals if they really need disposable utensils. These small steps help reduce our contribution of plastic waste.”

 

How Plastic Waste Flows to Sea

The journey of plastic waste from factories to groceries, from households to dumpsites, and from rivers to coastlines, is complicated. Partnerships in Environmental Management of the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA), which is implementing Project ASEANO in the Philippines and Indonesia, is tackling plastic pollution through an integrated plastic waste management approach which combines the use of science to adjust policies, adopt suitable technologies and build local capacity to monitor and manage waste.

The Philippine component of the project centers on the Imus River Watershed, one of six river systems in Cavite. The Imus River itself begins in the uplands of Tagaytay and Silang and passes through some of Cavite’s most densely-populated hubs, including Dasmariñas, Imus, Kawit and Bacoor, before discharging its contents into Manila Bay.

Once productive, the river is dying a slow death from pollution and sedimentation. “When we were young, we’d catch so many fish in this river,” recalls Noriel Gonzaga, a local official from the coastal municipality of Kawit. “It’s sad that today’s kids can no longer dive and swim in a clean and clear river, the way we used to. The riverbanks are no longer made of sand, but mud. Most fish are gone, with plastic and rubber tires everywhere. I’m calling out to my fellow Caviteños. Please look at what’s become of our beloved river. I hope we can bring it back to life.”

To communicate river and waste management solutions in an educational but engaging manner, Project ASEANO launched #BuhayiLog (Filipino for Life Beside a River), an interactive map of the Imus River which shows the various natural elements, challenges and solutions needed by both the public and governments to better understand how to manage Asia's rivers.

The map creatively explains real-world challenges like sedimentation and pollution, highlights solutions like deploying trash booms and conducting regular river cleanups, and points readers to an array of downloadable studies from social scientists, economists and environmental analysts.

“There are so many practical solutions to address the global challenge of plastic waste,” says PEMSEA executive director Aimee Gonzales. “Solutions can range from empowering often-ignored players like basureros and junkshops, to educating the next generation to be mindful of the waste they generate. Project ASEANO is a repository for integrated plastic waste solutions, particularly for riverside communities.”

Project ASEANO has been working closely with public and private sector allies to unlock the keys to reviving Asia’s rivers.

“Project ASEANO can be a guide for other parts of the country to improve existing policies and ordinances on how to combat growing plastic pollution in our rivers,” notes Cavite PGENRO Anabelle Cayabyab. “The project’s studies can help various sectors enhance their sense of social responsibility and be partners in addressing plastic pollution in other major rivers and tributaries.” public and government allies to better understand how to manage Asia's rivers. 

National government commits to safer roads along school zones

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LTO, MMDA, and other local enforcement officers conduct simultaneous road safety operations around school zones nationwide in preparation for the resumption of 100% face-to-face classes this year

“With the resumption of 100% face-to-face classes nationwide, it is only logical for the government to give priority to the road safety of children – the future of our country.”

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) Undersecretary Mark Steven Pastor declared the national government’s support to protect children on roads as he opened “Oplan Balik Eskwela 2022: A Child Road Safety Law Enforcement Visibility Day,” in Ramon Magsaysay National High School, Quezon City during the National Safe Kids Week.

With schools set to reopen in August after more than two years in the pandemic, DOTr conducted simultaneous road safety checks in different locations throughout the country to ensure that important road safety laws are observed around school zones. The DOTr conducted the activity with the Department of Education, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) through select local government units (LGUs), Land Transportation Office (LTO) through its regional and district offices, and Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), in partnership with other members of the National Coalition for Child Road Traffic Injury Prevention (National Coalition for CRTIP).

“This activity serves as a ‘test run’ of our enforcement operations when 100% face-to-face classes resume. MMDA wholeheartedly commits to support the National Coalition for CRTIP to keep children safe on roads,” said Atty. Victor Maria Nuñez, head of the MMDA Traffic Discipline Office.

The agencies also collaborated with LGUs that have enacted or are enacting comprehensive road safety ordinances, including Quezon City, Tuguegarao City, Ormoc City, and Danao City. They highlighted the critical role that local government plays in enforcing road safety laws.

In his speech, LTO Law Enforcement Service Deputy Director Roberto Valera explained why enforcement of road safety laws is key to making Philippine roads safer for vulnerable road users like children.

“To deter unsafe road user behavior, we know that strong, sustained, and highly visible enforcement efforts are needed, in addition to enacting policies with road safety interventions,” he stated.

Public interest law group ImagineLaw, secretariat of the National Coalition for CRTIP, cited the increasing number of road crash fatalities among children as the reason that led these enforcement agencies to work hand in hand.

“It takes a village to protect a child. Young children have physical and cognitive limitations that make them more vulnerable to road traffic injuries. It is then our role as adults to protect children through effective enforcement of existing road safety laws,” said Atty. Natasha Daphne Marcelo, Road Safety Project Manager of ImagineLaw.

Marcelo also reminded motorists to S.T.A.R.T. S-low down; T-ravel with car seats where required by law; A-lways buckle up; R-ide with a helmet; and T-urn down alcohol and drugs.

Aside from giving warnings to traffic law violators this morning, enforcers along Ramon Magsaysay Blvd. in Sta. Mesa Manila and other checkpoints nationwide also distributed information, education, and communications materials about road safety laws.