Welcoming the announcement of non-discriminatory minimum wage and removal of No-Objection Certificate (NOC) requirement to change jobs for employees in Qatar, several diplomats in the country have lauded Qatar’s efforts to protect the interests of expatriates in the country. The Ambassadors have said that the new law will benefit the migrant workers.
Ambassador of Italy to Qatar H E Alessandro Prunas said: “We welcome the new major changes in the labour legislation adopted by the Government of Qatar, which is another milestone in the process of improving the protection of workers and the labour market mobility, for the benefits of workers, employers and society at large.” The Ambassador added, “The new laws — which are part of a broader historical reform — reflect a commitment to deliver changes that we do appreciate and support. We stand ready to continue cooperating with Qatar on labour-related issues.” he added.
Ambassador of India to Qatar H E Deepak Mittal has also welcomed the labour reforms. “We welcome and appreciate significant labour reform measures announced by the Government of the State of Qatar, including raising the minimum wage and easing lateral movement of immigrant workers. We remain engaged and work closely with the authorities in continuing efforts to protect and promote interest and welfare of the Indian workers in Qatar,” said Deepak Mittal.
Ambassador of Pakistan to Qatar, H E Syed Ahsan Raza Shah has congratulated the State of Qatar on the promulgation of the historic new non-discriminatory labour laws. “The new rules are in line with the commitment of the State of Qatar towards providing a conducive, healthy and productive environment coupled with greater freedom and protection for expatriate workers,” he stated. He added that the Pakistani workforce has proudly contributed to the exemplary progress and prosperity of the State of Qatar, which is their second home, over the last five decades and would continue to do so in the future years. The Ambassador also called on members of the Pakistani workforce to follow and obey the laws of the land in letter and spirit while availing the opportunities afforded by the new rules.
Ambassador of Kenya to Qatar H E Paddy C Ahenda has said that the new law will improve the quality of labour and skilled manpower within the Qatari labour market. “It is with great pleasure and appreciation that we have received the news of the government of State of Qatar through the Ministry of Administrative Development Labour and Social Affairs (MADLSA) the setting up of minimum wage for all cadres of expatriate labour and the waving of ‘No-Objection Certificate’ popularly known as NOC,” he said. “This will definitely improve the quality of labour and skilled manpower within the Qatari labour market. By the new amendments in the law, semi-skilled and skilled workforce will find new opportunities to fully exploit their potential for the betterment of Qatar and their home countries,” said H E Ahenda. He also extended gratitude to H H the Amir for always being the first in setting standards within the region. “It is noteworthy to mention that the stringent measures that Qatar has taken during this pandemic have paid off and our labour force has not been affected. Kenya will continue to supply Qatar with the required labour force that will help in building this beautiful nation,” he added.
Ambassador of Nepal to Qatar Dr Narad Nath Bharadwaj said: "The decision of the Government of State of Qatar to raise the minimum wages for workers is a forward-looking initiative which has addressed a long-standing issue persisting in the workers' community. Similarly, the abolition of the requirement for workers to obtain an NOC from their employers to change employment has reiterated the workers' freedom to choose job. On behalf of Nepali workers, I express my gratitude to H H the Amir of the State of Qatar for taking historic step to enhance the dignity of labor."
Charge d’Affaires at the Embassy of Sri Lanka to Qatar H E Kohularangan Ratnasingam has praised the reforms saying that there are many Sri Lankan workers who have been affected due to COVID-19 pandemic and they would benefit from this new law. “It is a very timely move by the Qatari government and it will benefit many Sri Lankan and other expatriate workers. They will be able to explore and benefit more from the Qatari job market. The new laws will also encourage more skilled workers to come here,” he said, adding, “setting the minimum wage for all private sector workers will ensure the safety of the workers.”
