Time running out on Qatar labour reform, warns Amnesty

Amnesty says time is running out to fix issues with labour in the run up to the World Cup. Amnesty International via EPA

Qatar is running out of time to stamp out widespread serious labour abuse for tens of thousands of migrant workers before hosting the 2022 World Cup, Amnesty International warned on Tuesday.

The rights watchdog said that despite well-publicised "nascent reforms", Qatar risked breaking its promises to deliver meaningful change before the Middle East hosts football's biggest tournament for the first time.

"Time is running out if the Qatari authorities want to deliver a legacy we can all cheer, namely a labour system that ends the abuse and misery inflicted upon so many migrant workers every day," said Amnesty's Stephen Cockburn.

Although the "Reality Check" report focuses on conditions for all of the two million migrant workers in Qatar, not just the 30,000 on direct World Cup projects, Amnesty said Fifa had an "ongoing responsibility" to prevent abuse.

In response, football's governing body said it welcomed Qatari labour reforms in recent months and its continued work with "stakeholders".

"We share the view of Amnesty International that additional progress is needed for the full implementation of the commitments for comprehensive labour reform," a Fifa spokesperson told AFP.

The Amnesty report stated that despite reforms, conditions "for many migrant workers in Qatar remain harsh".

Amnesty called on Qatar to strengthen and properly enforce labour laws, tackle worker debt by increasing the minimum wage, stop passports being held by bosses and, to fundamentally overhaul the "kafala", or sponsorship, system.

This practice, which ties workers to their employers, restricts their ability to change jobs or leave the country, remains firmly in place, said Amnesty, despite Doha's pledge to end the system.

Amnesty also called for much better protection for some 175,000 domestic workers, who remain "out of sight and out of mind".

"Holes in the reforms to date mean many workers are still stuck in harsh conditions, vulnerable to exploitation and abuse, while those who return home do so empty-handed, with no compensation and no justice," said Mr Cockburn.

The report could temper the current jubilatory mood in Qatar, where there has been celebration since the national team won its first Asian Cup at the weekend.

The country has initiated a series of labour reforms in recent years following intense international pressure and at a time of deep political tension within the Gulf, which has seen Qatar isolated by former neighbouring allies.

Qatar has introduced a monthly minimum wage of 750 riyals (Dh754.80), a system to ensure workers are paid electronically, and partially scrapped the exit visa system which meant workers had to seek employers' permission before leaving the country.

It also agreed in 2017 to work closely with the International Labour Organisation, which now has a Doha office, to improve workers' conditions.