Doha: Qatar has set a temporary minimum wage for migrant workers worth some $200 a month, the authorities said on Thursday, a benchmark reform following criticism of its preparations for the 2022 World Cup.
Labour Minister Issa al Nuaimi said the “temporary minimum wage of 750 Qatari riyals ($195, 166 euro) per month will immediately come into effect”, while officials work on setting a permanent rate.
Labourers will also receive free accommodation, food and healthcare plans, covered by employers, he said.
Qatar has never had an official minimum wage policy, and officials said the 750 Qatari riyals figure could increase after a review.
Among other key reforms on the books are a requirement to lodge job contracts with the government, preventing changes to contract terms after the arrival of workers in Qatar, and ending the right of employers to stop staff from leaving the country or changing jobs.
The package was enough to satisfy the UN’s International Labour Organization, which on November 8 said the reforms matched up to its expectations for labour rights.
Nuaimi said it would, insisting that: “Qatar’s pledge does not end here. This is a long-term commitment and we will make further improvements.” — AFP
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
