Minister of Labour H E Dr. Ali bin Smaikh Al Marri
Doha: Minister of Labour H E Dr. Ali bin Smaikh Al Marri affirmed that Qatar’s celebration of its national day embodies a revival of glorious days in the country’s history.
He said that the day also inspires memories and aspirations for its people and generations, pointing out that this lofty message is always reflected by ancient peoples in their celebrations of their own national holidays.
On this occasion, which has a major historical, cultural and humanitarian significance, Minister of Labour extended his warm congratulations to Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
Qatar will always occupy a position where peoples are moving towards progress and prosperity, within the framework of a comprehensive vision of economic and social development.
In a statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA), the Minister of Labour valued the major achievements made by Qatar under the wise leadership of H H the Amir in various fields, adding that 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 abundant with prosperity and growth.
He reviewed the achievements made in the field of 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, pointing out that the concerted and unified efforts by workers, government and employers had a huge impact and effective contribution in strengthening the national march towards further development, prosperity and progress.
The Minister 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 cancelling the requirement of exit permit for residents, allowing employees to freely change their employer without the need for a no objection certificate, setting a minimum wage, establishment of visa centres for Qatar 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.
He said the Shura Council in April 2021 approved a new draft law providing mandatory health insurance for all residents and visitors, in addition to developing the labour 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.
