The National Human Rights Committee welcomed the promulgation of Law No. (17) of 2020 issued by His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, regarding determining the minimum wage for workers and domestic workers, in addition to Decree Law No. (19) of 2020 To amend the provisions of Law No. (21) of 2015 regulating the entry, exit and residence of expatriates.
Ms. Maryam Bint Abdullah Al-Attiyah, Secretary-General of the National Human Rights Committee, described these steps as a milestone in the history of the reality of employment in the region where the State of Qatar is the first to adopt a non-discriminatory minimum wage in the region, pointing out that: “These positive decisions by the leadership of the state confirm the pioneering direction towards achieving the 2030 national vision and the sincere will to preserve and protect human dignity in the State of Qatar.”
Al-Attiyah added that “these decisions are a true indication that the State of Qatar is moving steadily towards preserving workers’ rights in line with its international, regional and national commitments, as they come in the context of improving the living conditions of workers in the State of Qatar.”
Al-Attiyah pointed out that the reforms undertaken by the state also come out of respect and promotion of the basic principles of human rights, pointing out that the reforms implemented by the state had a great impact on reducing violations of workers’ rights.
Al-Attiyah pointed out that this is confirmed by the decrease in the rate of complaints received by the National Human Rights Committee, and according to the annual reports it publishes related to the human rights situation in the state.
Al-Attiyah noted the response of state institutions to the recommendations of the National Human Rights Committee, which are contained in its reports, contributed widely to the advancement of human rights in general and labour rights in particular, noting that the National Human Rights Committee has been closely following the reforms that the state is making in the labor law in compliance with the state’s obligations.
The Secretary-General of the National Human Rights Committee said that eliminating the requirements imposed on workers including non-objection from the employer in case of changing jobs, as well as setting a minimum wage, is conducive to the realization of basic human rights in the state.
Al-Attiyah added that the National Human Rights Committee appreciates the state’s efforts; we encourage these reform steps, we renew the call to the government of the State of Qatar to move forward with its legislative developments.
Al-Attiyah noted that the National Human Rights Committee, considering these developments positively, encourages the state to continue with these reforms and affirms its full and complete readiness to cooperate with all concerned authorities within the state, especially the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labor and Social Affair.
Read More