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For some the glass is half full; for others it is half empty. Most agree that living and working conditions for those building 2022 FIFA World Cup stadiums and infrastructure have improved as Qatar has done much to better these conditions over the past six years.
The awarding of the 2022 FIFA World Cup to Qatar took place in December 2010. Due to concerns over the summer heat, the final of the tournament will take place in December 2022 just seven days before Christmas.
Since 2010 numerous human rights organisations, along with large sections of the international media, have criticised the working conditions for low paid, predominantly Asian, workers. After reaching the halfway mark between 2010 and 2022, it must be noted that changes have been made, with the tournament placing Qatar at the forefront of labour reforms among rich Gulf nations.
Like all countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Qatar operated a sponsorship system known as 'kafala' where foreign workers required permission to not only work in the country, but also to leave it. In addition, numerous workers, particularly those from poor Asian countries, paid extortionate recruitment fees to unscrupulous businesses in order to secure a job and new life in Qatar. These"recruiters" often promised high wages and favourable contracts both of which failed to be delivered. There were also examples of workers suffering major payment delays, with some not being paid at all.
Since 2010, the media spotlight has helped to impact positive change. Qatar has the highest income per capita in the world and the third largest natural gas reserves facts which were not lost on the media and commentators. The conditions were given plenty of airtime and Qatar finally decided to act. To its credit and unlike its neighbours Qatar has engaged in dialogue with its critics. The country has invited human rights organisations and trade unions, including the International Labour Organisation (ILO), to discuss their concerns and proposals.
And the Qatari government has made tangible progress. Some say recent changes to the labour laws don't go far enough. However, Qatar must be applauded for its actions. In December, Qatar abolished its 'kafala' system. Every foreign worker now signs a direct contract with his/her employer. This contract must be written in the employee's language and be signed in their home country. Foreign workers now retain their passports at all times and may leave the country with their employer's permission. It's also easier for a foreign employee to switch jobs. The new law states that anyone who has completed five years with a single employer may change company without restrictions.
In addition to new laws, the 2022 FIFA World Cup organising body, the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), has implemented clear standards for every worker involved in its projects, including contractors and sub-contractors. These standards are recognised as the flagship for Qatar and the region. The SC has also announced that representatives from the International Trade Union for Building and Wood Workers (BHI), an umbrella organisation for 318 unions in 130 countries, will inspect working conditions on its sites.
Despite the reforms, controversy often appears. An Amnesty International report described working conditions as"frightening" in March 2016. The Qatari government said the report referred to incidents in early 2015, all of which were settled in June the same year. Qatar deserves credit for the positive changes it has made in recent years.
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19/01/2017
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