Qatar committed to protect workers’ rights: Minister

QNA Doha Minister of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs HE Yousef bin Mohammed Al Othman Fakhroo has affirmed the commitment of Qatar to...

QNADohaMinister of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs HE Yousef bin Mohammed Al Othman Fakhroo has affirmed the commitment of Qatar to continue its relentless efforts aimed at promoting and protecting workers’ rights and providing a safe and healthy work environment.In a speech on the occasion of the International Workers’ Day, which falls on May 1 of each year, the minister explained that this occasion is a tribute to all workers due to the interest they receive as a partner in the development renaissance in Qatar. He expressed deep gratitude and appreciation to the workers who have helped and continue to contribute to the comprehensive development.On this occasion, he said, the ministry is pleased to announce the establishment of the unified platform for complaints and disputes, which will be launched in the coming days, as the platform is scheduled to allow employees and workers who are subject to the labour law to submit complaints related to work issues. He said this day is the culmination of labour legislation and its updating to keep pace with the best international standards for protecting workers’ rights, and the celebration of International Workers’ Day this year coincides with the start of the implementation of the new and pioneering legislation. The new measures have strengthened the work environment that attracts workers, especially the legislations that facilitate the movement of employees between different employers and the non-discriminatory minimum wage law that protects workers including the domestic workers. The minister continued by saying that the ministry is working to implement modern legislation in accordance with the highest standards through continuous cooperation and coordination with representatives of employers and workers and various local and international partners to search for the best and most successful ways to care for workers. He said the ministry is making every effort to ensure the health and safety of workers, by strengthening precautionary measures and health requirements at work sites and workers housing.He said the ministry counts in this regard on workers awareness and their commitment to the procedures and measures that have been taken by the competent authorities to limit the spread of COVID-19 and to preserve their safety. The ministry also counts on the participation of workers in the national plan for vaccination against coronavirus and the intensive efforts made by the state to provide free vaccination for all categories of workers.The minister affirmed that the state will continue implementing measures to respond to the economic repercussions of the crisis through the financial incentives package and the extension of the national guarantees programme in order to ensure the sustainability of business and jobs and to continue paying workers’ wages. He said the ministry is working to strengthen the protection of wages and to provide support and assistance to workers to ensure that they obtain their rights and financial entitlements, and that they benefit from decent housing and basic services.The minister affirmed the state’s keenness to apply the best international standards to ensure the security and safety of expatriate workers, and its commitment to continue efforts aimed at providing decent work conditions for all workers and promoting their rights and protection in various fields.