'They think that we're machines': forced labour and other abuse of migrant workers in Qatar's private security sector
Summary
Date Reported: 6 Apr 2022
Location: Qatar
Other
Not Reported (Sports: General) - Client, Not Reported (Security companies) - EmployerAffected
Total individuals affected: Number unknown
Migrant & immigrant workers: (1 - Uganda, Security companies)Issues
Non-payment of Wages, Health: General (including workplace health & safety), Intimidation & Threats, Racial/ethnic/caste/origin discriminationResponse
Response sought: No
Story containing response: (Find out more)
Action taken: None reported. Amnesty Intl. invited FIFA and the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy to respond to the allegations in the report; the Supreme Committee's response can be read in full. FIFA provided a letter outlining its general approach to due diligence, though Amnesty Intl. reported they did not address the allegations.
Source type: NGO
Summary
Date Reported: 6 Apr 2022
Location: Qatar
Other
Not Reported (Security companies) - EmployerAffected
Total individuals affected: Number unknown
Migrant & immigrant workers: (1 - Uganda, Security companies)Issues
Health: General (including workplace health & safety), Intimidation & Threats, Non-payment of WagesResponse
Response sought: Yes, by Amnesty Intl.
Story containing response: (Find out more)
Action taken: None reported. Amnesty Intl. invited FIFA and the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy to respond to the allegations in the report; the Supreme Committee's response can be read in full. FIFA provided a letter outlining its general approach to due diligence, though Amnesty Intl. reported they did not address the allegations.
Source type: NGO
Summary
Date Reported: 6 Apr 2022
Location: Qatar
Other
Not Reported (Security companies) - Employer, Not Reported (Sports: General) - ClientAffected
Total individuals affected: Number unknown
Migrant & immigrant workers: (1 - Uganda, Security companies)Issues
Health: General (including workplace health & safety), Non-payment of Wages, Recruitment Fees, Right to food, Contract SubstitutionResponse
Response sought: Yes, by Amnesty Intl.
Story containing response: (Find out more)
Action taken: None reported. Amnesty Intl. invited FIFA and the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy to respond to the allegations in the report; the Supreme Committee's response can be read in full. FIFA provided a letter outlining its general approach to due diligence, though Amnesty Intl. reported they did not address the allegations.
Source type: NGO
Summary
Date Reported: 6 Apr 2022
Location: Qatar
Other
Not Reported (Security companies) - EmployerAffected
Total individuals affected: Number unknown
Migrant & immigrant workers: (1 - Uganda, Security companies)Issues
Health: General (including workplace health & safety), Non-payment of WagesResponse
Response sought: Yes, by Amnesty Intl.
Story containing response: (Find out more)
Action taken: None reported. Amnesty Intl. invited FIFA and the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy to respond to the allegations in the report; the Supreme Committee's response can be read in full. FIFA provided a letter outlining its general approach to due diligence, though Amnesty Intl. reported they did not address the allegations.
Source type: NGO
Summary
Date Reported: 6 Apr 2022
Location: Qatar
Other
Not Reported (Security companies) - EmployerAffected
Total individuals affected: Number unknown
Migrant & immigrant workers: (1 - Kenya, Security companies)Issues
Intimidation & Threats, Health: General (including workplace health & safety), Non-payment of Wages, Unfair DismissalResponse
Response sought: Yes, by Amnesty Intl.
Story containing response: (Find out more)
Action taken: None reported. Amnesty Intl. invited FIFA and the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy to respond to the allegations in the report; the Supreme Committee's response can be read in full. FIFA provided a letter outlining its general approach to due diligence, though Amnesty Intl. reported they did not address the allegations.
Source type: NGO
Summary
Date Reported: 6 Apr 2022
Location: Qatar
Other
Not Reported (Security companies) - EmployerAffected
Total individuals affected: Number unknown
Migrant & immigrant workers: (1 - Kenya, Security companies)Issues
Health: General (including workplace health & safety), Intimidation & Threats, Denial of freedom of movement, Unfair DismissalResponse
Response sought: Yes, by Amnesty Intl.
Story containing response: (Find out more)
Action taken: None reported. Amnesty Intl. invited FIFA and the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy to respond to the allegations in the report; the Supreme Committee's response can be read in full. FIFA provided a letter outlining its general approach to due diligence, though Amnesty Intl. reported they did not address the allegations.
Source type: NGO
Summary
Date Reported: 6 Apr 2022
Location: Qatar
Other
Not Reported (Security companies) - EmployerAffected
Total individuals affected: Number unknown
Migrant & immigrant workers: (1 - Kenya, Security companies)Issues
Intimidation & Threats, Non-payment of WagesResponse
Response sought: Yes, by Amnesty Intl.
Story containing response: (Find out more)
Action taken: None reported. Amnesty Intl. invited FIFA and the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy to respond to the allegations in the report; the Supreme Committee's response can be read in full. FIFA provided a letter outlining its general approach to due diligence, though Amnesty Intl. reported they did not address the allegations.
Source type: NGO
Summary
Date Reported: 6 Apr 2022
Location: Qatar
Other
Not Reported (Security companies) - EmployerAffected
Total individuals affected: Number unknown
Migrant & immigrant workers: (1 - Kenya, Security companies)Issues
Health: General (including workplace health & safety)Response
Response sought: Yes, by Amnesty Intl.
Story containing response: (Find out more)
Action taken: None reported. Amnesty Intl. invited FIFA and the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy to respond to the allegations in the report; the Supreme Committee's response can be read in full. FIFA provided a letter outlining its general approach to due diligence, though Amnesty Intl. reported they did not address the allegations.
Source type: NGO
Summary
Date Reported: 6 Apr 2022
Location: Qatar
Projects
Al Janoub Stadium (previously called Al Wakrah) - ClientOther
Not Reported (Security companies) - EmployerAffected
Total individuals affected: Number unknown
Migrant & immigrant workers: (1 - Location unknown, Security companies)Issues
Health: General (including workplace health & safety)Response
Response sought: Yes, by Amnesty Intl.
Story containing response: (Find out more)
Action taken: None reported. Amnesty Intl. invited FIFA and the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy to respond to the allegations in the report; the Supreme Committee's response can be read in full. FIFA provided a letter outlining its general approach to due diligence, though Amnesty Intl. reported they did not address the allegations.
Source type: NGO
Summary
Date Reported: 6 Apr 2022
Location: Qatar
Companies
FIFA - ClientProjects
Qatar World Cup 2022 Unspecified Projects - ClientOther
Not Reported (Security companies) - EmployerAffected
Total individuals affected: Number unknown
Migrant & immigrant workers: (Number unknown - Location unknown, Security companies)Issues
Precarious/unsuitable living conditions, Non-payment of Wages, Right to food, Recruitment FeesResponse
Response sought: Yes, by Amnesty Intl
Story containing response: (Find out more)
Action taken: Amnesty Intl. invited FIFA and the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy to respond to the allegations in the report; the Supreme Committee's response can be read in full. The SC reported it had barred Company B from bidding on World Cup projects unless issues were rectified; they did not disclose to Amnesty Intl. any follow-up steps taken. FIFA provided a letter outlining its general approach to due diligence, though Amnesty Intl. reported they did not address the allegations.
Source type: NGO
Summary
Date Reported: 6 Apr 2022
Location: Qatar
Other
Not Reported (Retail) - Client, Not Reported (Security companies) - EmployerAffected
Total individuals affected: Number unknown
Migrant & immigrant workers: (1 - Kenya, Security companies)Issues
Health: General (including workplace health & safety), Intimidation & Threats, Unfair DismissalResponse
Response sought: Yes, by Amnesty Intl.
Story containing response: (Find out more)
Action taken: None reported. Amnesty Intl. invited FIFA and the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy to respond to the allegations in the report; the Supreme Committee's response can be read in full. FIFA provided a letter outlining its general approach to due diligence, though Amnesty Intl. reported they did not address the allegations.
Source type: NGO
Summary
Date Reported: 6 Apr 2022
Location: Qatar
Companies
FIFA - ClientProjects
FIFA Club World Cup - Client, Education City Stadium - ClientOther
Not Reported (Security companies) - EmployerAffected
Total individuals affected: Number unknown
Migrant & immigrant workers: (1 - Uganda, Security companies)Issues
Non-payment of Wages, Precarious/unsuitable living conditions, Health: General (including workplace health & safety), Withholding PassportsResponse
Response sought: Yes, by NGO - Amnesty International
Story containing response: (Find out more)
Action taken: None reported. Amnesty Intl. invited FIFA and the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy to respond to the allegations in the report; the Supreme Committee's response can be read in full. FIFA provided a letter outlining its general approach to due diligence, though Amnesty Intl. reported they did not address the allegations.
Source type: NGO
Summary
Date Reported: 6 Apr 2022
Location: Qatar
Projects
FIFA Club World Cup - ClientOther
Not Reported (Transport: General) - Client, Not Reported (Security companies) - EmployerAffected
Total individuals affected: Number unknown
Migrant & immigrant workers: (1 - Uganda, Security companies)Issues
Health: General (including workplace health & safety), Non-payment of WagesResponse
Response sought: Yes, by Amnesty Intl.
Story containing response: (Find out more)
Action taken: None reported. Amnesty Intl. invited FIFA and the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy to respond to the allegations in the report; the Supreme Committee's response can be read in full. FIFA provided a letter outlining its general approach to due diligence, though Amnesty Intl. reported they did not address the allegations.
Source type: NGO
Summary
Date Reported: 6 Apr 2022
Location: Qatar
Other
Not Reported (Security companies) - Employer, Not Reported (Transport: General) - ClientAffected
Total individuals affected: Number unknown
Migrant & immigrant workers: (1 - Uganda - Sector unknown)Issues
Health: General (including workplace health & safety), Intimidation & Threats, Precarious/unsuitable living conditions, Non-payment of WagesResponse
Response sought: Yes, by Amnesty Intl.
Story containing response: (Find out more)
Action taken: None reported. Amnesty Intl. invited FIFA and the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy to respond to the allegations in the report; the Supreme Committee's response can be read in full. FIFA provided a letter outlining its general approach to due diligence, though Amnesty Intl. reported they did not address the allegations.
Source type: NGO
Summary
Date Reported: 6 Apr 2022
Location: Qatar
Other
Not Reported (Security companies) - EmployerAffected
Total individuals affected: Number unknown
Migrant & immigrant workers: (1 - Uganda, Security companies)Issues
Health: General (including workplace health & safety), Intimidation & Threats, Precarious/unsuitable living conditions, Recruitment FeesResponse
Response sought: Yes, by Amnesty Intl.
Story containing response: (Find out more)
Action taken: None reported. Amnesty Intl. invited FIFA and the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy to respond to the allegations in the report; the Supreme Committee's response can be read in full. FIFA provided a letter outlining its general approach to due diligence, though Amnesty Intl. reported they did not address the allegations.
Source type: NGO
Summary
Date Reported: 6 Apr 2022
Location: Qatar
Other
Not Reported (Security companies) - EmployerAffected
Total individuals affected: Number unknown
Migrant & immigrant workers: (1 - Kenya, Security companies)Issues
Non-payment of Wages, Right to foodResponse
Response sought: Yes, by Amnesty Intl.
Story containing response: (Find out more)
Action taken: None reported. Amnesty Intl. invited FIFA and the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy to respond to the allegations in the report; the Supreme Committee's response can be read in full. FIFA provided a letter outlining its general approach to due diligence, though Amnesty Intl. reported they did not address the allegations.
Source type: NGO
Summary
Date Reported: 6 Apr 2022
Location: Qatar
Other
Government (Public Entities) - Client, Not Reported (Transport: General) - Client, Not Reported (Security companies) - EmployerAffected
Total individuals affected: Number unknown
Migrant & immigrant workers: (1 - Kenya, Security companies)Issues
Non-payment of Wages, Racial/ethnic/caste/origin discriminationResponse
Response sought: Yes, by Amnesty Intl.
Story containing response: (Find out more)
Action taken: None reported. Amnesty Intl. invited FIFA and the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy to respond to the allegations in the report; the Supreme Committee's response can be read in full. FIFA provided a letter outlining its general approach to due diligence, though Amnesty Intl. reported they did not address the allegations.
Source type: NGO
Summary
Date Reported: 6 Apr 2022
Location: Qatar
Other
Not Reported (Security companies) - Employer, Not Reported (Transport: General) - ClientAffected
Total individuals affected: Number unknown
Migrant & immigrant workers: (1 - Location unknown, Security companies)Issues
Non-payment of Wages, Intimidation & ThreatsResponse
Response sought: Yes, by Amnesty Intl.
Story containing response: (Find out more)
Action taken: None reported. Amnesty Intl. invited FIFA and the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy to respond to the allegations in the report; the Supreme Committee's response can be read in full. FIFA provided a letter outlining its general approach to due diligence, though Amnesty Intl. reported they did not address the allegations.
Source type: NGO
Summary
Date Reported: 6 Apr 2022
Location: Qatar
Other
Not Reported (Security companies) - EmployerAffected
Total individuals affected: Number unknown
Migrant & immigrant workers: (1 - Africa, Security companies)Issues
Health: General (including workplace health & safety), Racial/ethnic/caste/origin discriminationResponse
Response sought: Yes, by Amnesty Intl.
Story containing response: (Find out more)
Action taken: None reported. Amnesty Intl. invited FIFA and the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy to respond to the allegations in the report; the Supreme Committee's response can be read in full. FIFA provided a letter outlining its general approach to due diligence, though Amnesty Intl. reported they did not address the allegations.
Source type: NGO
Summary
Date Reported: 6 Apr 2022
Location: Location unknown
Companies
FIFA - ClientProjects
Al Thumama Stadium - Client, Education City Stadium - Client, Qatar World Cup 2022 Training Sites - Client, Khalifa International Stadium - Client, Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium/ Al Rayyan Stadium - Client, Al Bayt Stadium - Client, 974 Stadium (previously called Ras Abu Aboud) - Client, Al Janoub Stadium (previously called Al Wakrah) - Client, Lusail Stadium - Client, FIFA Club World Cup - ClientOther
Not Reported (Security companies) - EmployerAffected
Total individuals affected: Number unknown
Migrant & immigrant workers: (Number unknown - Location unknown, Security companies)Issues
Precarious/unsuitable living conditions, Recruitment Fees, Withholding PassportsResponse
Response sought: Yes, by Amnesty Intl.
Story containing response: (Find out more)
Action taken: The Supreme Committee reported that Company C had moved all workers to compliant accommodation and committed to reimbursing fees, though Amnesty Intl. has found at least one accommodation facility that does not comply. It has said that Company C demonstrated a sufficient level of compliance to maintain its services. Amnesty Intl. invited FIFA and the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy to respond to the allegations in the report; the Supreme Committee's response can be read in full. FIFA provided a letter outlining its general approach to due diligence, though Amnesty Intl. reported they did not address the allegations.
Source type: NGO
Summary
Date Reported: 6 Apr 2022
Location: Qatar
Companies
FIFA - ClientProjects
FIFA Club World Cup - ClientOther
Not Reported (Security companies) - Employer, Not Reported (Hotel) - ClientAffected
Total individuals affected: Number unknown
Migrant & immigrant workers: (1 - Kenya, Security companies)Issues
Non-payment of Wages, Intimidation & Threats, Precarious/unsuitable living conditions, Health: General (including workplace health & safety)Response
Response sought: No
Action taken: When his security company deployed him to an international hotel chain, Caleb's employer gave him a weekly day off. Reportedly, this change only occurred because hotel management had requested additional guards to be deployed to allow all on-site workers to have rest days.
Source type: NGO
Summary
Date Reported: 6 Apr 2022
Location: Qatar
Projects
Khalifa International Stadium - ClientOther
Not Reported (Security companies) - Employer, Not Reported (Sports: General) - ClientAffected
Total individuals affected: Number unknown
Migrant & immigrant workers: (1 - Uganda, Security companies)Issues
Health: General (including workplace health & safety), Non-payment of Wages, Withholding PassportsResponse
Response sought: Yes, by Amnesty Intl.
Story containing response: (Find out more)
Action taken: None reported. Amnesty Intl. invited FIFA and the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy to respond to the allegations in the report; the Supreme Committee's response can be read in full. FIFA provided a letter outlining its general approach to due diligence, though Amnesty Intl. reported they did not address the allegations.
Source type: NGO
Summary
Date Reported: 6 Apr 2022
Location: Qatar
Other
Not Reported (Security companies) - EmployerAffected
Total individuals affected: Number unknown
Migrant & immigrant workers: (1 - Bangladesh, Security companies)Issues
Health: General (including workplace health & safety)Response
Response sought: Yes, by Amnesty Intl.
Story containing response: (Find out more)
Action taken: None reported. Amnesty Intl. invited FIFA and the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy to respond to the allegations in the report; the Supreme Committee's response can be read in full. FIFA provided a letter outlining its general approach to due diligence, though Amnesty Intl. reported they did not address the allegations.
Source type: NGO
Summary
Date Reported: 6 Apr 2022
Location: Qatar
Other
Not Reported (Security companies) - Employer, Not Reported (Transport: General) - ClientAffected
Total individuals affected: Number unknown
Migrant & immigrant workers: (1 - Kenya, Security companies)Issues
Non-payment of Wages, Intimidation & Threats, Health: General (including workplace health & safety), Racial/ethnic/caste/origin discriminationResponse
Response sought: Yes, by Amnesty Intl.
Story containing response: (Find out more)
Action taken: None reported. Amnesty Intl. invited FIFA and the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy to respond to the allegations in the report; the Supreme Committee's response can be read in full. FIFA provided a letter outlining its general approach to due diligence, though Amnesty Intl. reported they did not address the allegations.
Source type: NGO
Summary
Date Reported: 6 Apr 2022
Location: Qatar
Other
Not Reported (Security companies) - EmployerAffected
Total individuals affected: Number unknown
Migrant & immigrant workers: (1 - Africa, Security companies)Issues
Health: General (including workplace health & safety), Denial of freedom of movementResponse
Response sought: Yes, by Amnesty Intl.
Story containing response: (Find out more)
Action taken: None reported. Amnesty Intl. invited FIFA and the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy to respond to the allegations in the report; the Supreme Committee's response can be read in full. FIFA provided a letter outlining its general approach to due diligence, though Amnesty Intl. reported they did not address the allegations.
Source type: NGO
Summary
Date Reported: 6 Apr 2022
Location: Qatar
Other
Not Reported (Security companies) - EmployerAffected
Total individuals affected: Number unknown
Migrant & immigrant workers: (1 - Uganda, Security companies)Issues
Non-payment of Wages, Recruitment Fees, Health: General (including workplace health & safety), Intimidation & ThreatsResponse
Response sought: Yes, by Amnesty Intl.
Story containing response: (Find out more)
Action taken: None reported. Amnesty Intl. invited FIFA and the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy to respond to the allegations in the report; the Supreme Committee's response can be read in full. FIFA provided a letter outlining its general approach to due diligence, though Amnesty Intl. reported they did not address the allegations.
Source type: NGO
Summary
Date Reported: 6 Apr 2022
Location: Qatar
Other
Not Reported (Security companies) - Employer, Not Reported (Hotel) - ClientAffected
Total individuals affected: Number unknown
Migrant & immigrant workers: (1 - Location unknown, Security companies)Issues
Withholding PassportsResponse
Response sought: Yes, by Amnesty Intl.
Story containing response: (Find out more)
Action taken: None reported. Amnesty Intl. invited FIFA and the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy to respond to the allegations in the report; the Supreme Committee's response can be read in full. FIFA provided a letter outlining its general approach to due diligence, though Amnesty Intl. reported they did not address the allegations.
Source type: NGO
Summary
Date Reported: 6 Apr 2022
Location: Qatar
Other
Not Reported (Security companies) - EmployerAffected
Total individuals affected: Number unknown
Migrant & immigrant workers: (1 - Location unknown, Security companies)Issues
Non-payment of WagesResponse
Response sought: Yes, by Amnesty Intl.
Story containing response: (Find out more)
Action taken: None reported. Amnesty Intl. invited FIFA and the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy to respond to the allegations in the report; the Supreme Committee's response can be read in full. FIFA provided a letter outlining its general approach to due diligence, though Amnesty Intl. reported they did not address the allegations.
Source type: NGO
Summary
Date Reported: 6 Apr 2022
Location: Qatar
Companies
FIFA - ClientProjects
FIFA Club World Cup - ClientOther
Not Reported (Security companies) - EmployerAffected
Total individuals affected: Number unknown
Migrant & immigrant workers: (Number unknown - Location unknown, Security companies)Issues
Non-payment of Wages, Precarious/unsuitable living conditions, Withholding Passports, Health: General (including workplace health & safety)Response
Response sought: Yes, by Amnesty Intl.
Action taken: Amnesty Intl. invited FIFA and the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy to respond to the allegations in the report; the Supreme Committee's response can be read in full. The company failed to improve following SC engagement and was eventually excluded from the FIFA Arab Cup and the 2022 World Cup without significant improvement. FIFA provided a letter outlining its general approach to due diligence, though Amnesty Intl. reported they did not address the allegations.
Source type: NGO
The plight of migrant construction workers across Qatar has been well documented over many years. While these people make up a large part of the workforce, they are not alone in their struggle for labour rights in the country. Now, with World Cup stadiums virtually complete, focus must turn to all those who will provide the services essential for the tournament.
Amongst them are the tens of thousands of people employed in Qatar’s private security sector. In this report, Amnesty International shows how – despite important labour reforms of the kafala sponsorship system since 2017 – migrant workers across this sector continue to be subjected to serious labour abuses that sometimes amount to forced labour.
In total, Amnesty International interviewed 59 guards and other security workers employed or formerly employed in eight private security companies operating in Qatar...
The accounts of the workers that Amnesty researchers interviewed reveal a wide range of other labour abuses taking place in all eight companies. These include excessive working hours, lack of rest days, and arbitrary or disproportionate financial penalties, as well as underpayment of overtime work, potentially dangerous working conditions, substandard living conditions and discrimination on the basis of race, nationality, and language...