"Qatar construction firm still operating despite not paying migrant workers", 10 Dec 2022

A Qatar construction company involved in World Cup-related projects that a government official said was closed and unable to pay outstanding wages to migrant workers is still open, an investigation by The Athletic has found.

In May, the Al Bandary group withheld payments to thousands of workers for two weeks before deporting a large number of its migrant workforce.

Many left Qatar without payment, having worked a fraction of their agreed contract periods. Subsequently they were told to apply for recompense online or in person via the Workers’ Support and Insurance Fund, which is supposed to provide compensation for the missed or late payment of workers’ wages.

In November, a Qatari government official referred to the “closure” of Al Bandary. This week they said it was “blacklisted from securing new contracts”.

The Athletic has been told by a source — who will remain anonymous to protect their safety — that, seven months on, there are approximately 1,150 workers who are yet to receive money owed to them and have active cases against the company...

Numerous workers confirmed the company was still operating, although it was unclear as to the exact nature of the work they were doing. Al Bandary Group has not responded to multiple requests for comment.