Labor Rights And Immigration Issues In Qatar

Abstract

ABSTRACT Qatar has experienced significant growth and development, which has led to population growth in the country. The influx of migrant workers in the country has been linked to the population explosion in Qatar as foreign laborers make up approximately 85.7% of the population in the country and over 94% of the employed population in the country. Estimates show that between the years 2010 and 2013, more than 1,200 migrant workers working in the construction industry in Qatar died. Projections show that another 4,000 migrant deaths are expected to happen by the time Qatar hosts the World Cup in 2022. International organizations criticize Qatar for not having in place efficient and effective laws that protect migrant workers within the country’s jurisdictions. The research aims to describe the situation concerning labor rights and immigration issues present in Qatar. The focus of the study is to explore existing laws in Qatar and whether they are sufficient to make the country comply with international regulations concerning the rights of migrant workers. A case study approach is used to explore existing laws in Qatar and their compliance with international human rights and labor standards. The legal review suggests that Qatar has introduced immigration reforms that aim to improve labor and human rights observance for migrant workers in the country. However, implementation and enforcement of the laws are cited as a source of persistent migrant workers’ issues in the country. Also, existing laws in Qatar may still infringe on the rights and freedoms of migrant workers working in the country. Qatar has made initial steps to address concerns that have been raised by international organizations regarding the labor and human rights of migrants working in the country. However, the country needs to focus on effectively enforcing existing laws and addressing the Kafala system.