HRW calls for protection of migrant workers during Qatari emir’s visit to Bangladesh and Nepal – myRepublica

KATHMANDU, April 22: Human Rights Watch (HRW) has urged the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, to prioritize labor protection for migrant workers during his upcoming visits to Bangladesh and Nepal on 22 and 23 respectively April.

Both countries are important sources of labor for Qatar, where migrants make up 88 percent of the population. Michael Page, deputy Middle East and North Africa director at HRW, said the need for Qatar to publicly commit to enforceable protections to alleviate the serious abuses faced by migrant workers, including wage theft, unsafe working conditions and the lack compensation for deceased employees. .

The visits come as both Bangladesh and Nepal continue to feel the impact of their citizens’ contributions to Qatar’s economy, especially during events such as the 2022 World Cup.

HRW highlighted the high recruitment costs and dire conditions many workers face upon returning home, including chronic illnesses and unexplained deaths. The organization calls for transparent and effective employment contracts to be a central topic of discussion during the emir’s visits.

Similarly, it also pointed out the shortcomings in compensation mechanisms for families of workers who die in Qatar, noting that many deaths are not classified as work-related, leaving families without any support or compensation.

HRW also criticized Qatar’s labor reforms as insufficient and too limited in scope. While some reforms have been implemented, they have not completely dismantled the kafala (labor sponsorship) system, which ties a worker’s immigration status to an employer, preventing many from leaving an abusive workplace without losing their legal status .

HRW’s call to action suggests the emir’s visit could be a crucial opportunity to advocate for important labor reforms. “Public commitments from the Qatari Emir for concrete, enforceable protections for workers during these two high-profile visits, including compensation for workers who suffered serious abuse and families of the deceased, would be the best way to continue his trips to the homes of millions of people to mark. current and former employees who have contributed to Qatar’s transformation,” said Page.