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In April 2022, Amnesty International issued a report on its investigation into Qatar's security sector, unearthing patterns of abuse amounting to forced labour including racial discrimination, no rest days, payment of recruitment fees, withholding passports and lack of overtime pay. 13 of the 34 interviewed described barriers to changing jobs. Half the workers reported employers deducting amounts from salaries for penalties for “misdemeanours” and difficult and potentially dangerous working conditions, including outside working without access to air-conditioning during the summer months. Substandard accommodation and discrimination were also cited.
One Kenyan guard, Matthew, was deployed to an international supermarket chain. He could not recall ever having had a day off for the past two years. He also reported that if workers tried to "fight" for their rights they are either terminated or sign a new contract with unfavourable terms.
Other
Not Reported (Retail) - Client,
Not Reported (Security companies) - Employer
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
In April 2022, Amnesty International issued a report on its investigation into Qatar's security sector, unearthing patterns of abuse amounting to forced labour including racial discrimination, no rest days, payment of recruitment fees, withholding passports and lack of overtime pay. 13 of the 34 interviewed described barriers to changing jobs. Half the workers reported employers deducting amounts from salaries for penalties for “misdemeanours” and difficult and potentially dangerous working conditions, including outside working without access to air-conditioning during the summer months. Substandard accommodation and discrimination were also cited.
Kenyan worker Caleb was deployed at the FIFA Club World Cup and the Arabian Gulf Cup in 2019, during which his company denied him a day off. He had also paid USD900 to a recruitment agency in Kenya before arriving. The company reportedly housed guards in cramped accommodation with 10 workers sharing a room, made guards work excessive hours, threatened them with salary deductions and fined them for mistakes, while they worked outside without shelter.
Companies
FIFA - Client
Projects
FIFA Club World Cup - Client
Other
Not Reported (Security companies) - Employer,
Not Reported (Hotel) - Client
Intimidation,
Precarious/Unsuitable Living Conditions,
Personal Health,
Wage Theft
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
In April 2022, Amnesty International issued a report on its investigation into Qatar's security sector, unearthing patterns of abuse amounting to forced labour including racial discrimination, no rest days, payment of recruitment fees, withholding passports and lack of overtime pay. 13 of the 34 interviewed described barriers to changing jobs. Half the workers reported employers deducting amounts from salaries for penalties for “misdemeanours” and difficult and potentially dangerous working conditions, including outside working without access to air-conditioning during the summer months. Substandard accommodation and discrimination were also cited.
One female Ugandan guard, Florence, described to Amnesty Intl. that she was made to work long hours, causing her to be unwell and without adequate food, and was not paid adequate overtime because her employer unilaterally reduced workers' salaries by 12% during COVID-19. She also reported incurring debt to pay USD1,700 to a recruitment agency and had been promised a higher salary than she was presented with on arrival. She also experienced salary deductions for "misdemeanours". Florence was mainly deployed to a sports complex during her employment but also worked in a mall.
Other
Not Reported (Security companies) - Employer,
Not Reported (Sports: General) - Client,
Not Reported (Retail) - Client
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
In April 2022, Amnesty International issued a report on its investigation into Qatar's security sector, unearthing patterns of abuse amounting to forced labour including racial discrimination, no rest days, payment of recruitment fees, withholding passports and lack of overtime pay. 13 of the 34 interviewed described barriers to changing jobs. Half the workers reported employers deducting amounts from salaries for penalties for “misdemeanours” and difficult and potentially dangerous working conditions, including outside working without access to air-conditioning during the summer months. Substandard accommodation and discrimination were also cited.
One Ugandan guard, Edson, was deployed at a sports facility. He was only occasionally granted rest days and it was difficult to obtain permission; he reported that his company subjected workers to overtime and deducted salaries if workers refused to be deployed. He also experienced racism, that sub-Saharan Africans "couldn't access the best location", such as banks.
Other
Not Reported (Sports: General) - Client,
Not Reported (Security companies) - Employer
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
In April 2022, Amnesty International issued a report on its investigation into Qatar's security sector, unearthing patterns of abuse amounting to forced labour including racial discrimination, no rest days, payment of recruitment fees, withholding passports and lack of overtime pay. 13 of the 34 interviewed described barriers to changing jobs. Half the workers reported employers deducting amounts from salaries for penalties for “misdemeanours” and difficult and potentially dangerous working conditions, including outside working without access to air-conditioning during the summer months. Substandard accommodation and discrimination were also cited.
One Ugandan guard, Ben, reported to Amnesty Intl. he had worked 18 months without a day off. In early 2021, he was unwell and stayed in the workers' accommodation as he was unable to work; his supervisor told him he could not take a day off, gave him a verbal warning and deducted two days' wages.
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
In April 2022, Amnesty International issued a report on its investigation into Qatar's security sector, unearthing patterns of abuse amounting to forced labour including racial discrimination, no rest days, payment of recruitment fees, withholding passports and lack of overtime pay. 13 of the 34 interviewed described barriers to changing jobs. Half the workers reported employers deducting amounts from salaries for penalties for “misdemeanours” and difficult and potentially dangerous working conditions, including outside working without access to air-conditioning during the summer months. Substandard accommodation and discrimination were also cited.
One Ugandan guard, Godfrey, who was deployed to a sports complex, reported that he did not have a day off even for a sick day and that his employer would deduct wages for absence.
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
In April 2022, Amnesty International issued a report on its investigation into Qatar's security sector, unearthing patterns of abuse amounting to forced labour including racial discrimination, no rest days, payment of recruitment fees, withholding passports and lack of overtime pay. 13 of the 34 interviewed described barriers to changing jobs. Half the workers reported employers deducting amounts from salaries for penalties for “misdemeanours” and difficult and potentially dangerous working conditions, including outside working without access to air-conditioning during the summer months. Substandard accommodation and discrimination were also cited.
One Kenyan guard, Nelson, described salary deductions and punitive action from the employer for taking a day off with or without permission. He also described excessive working hours. Nelson's employer then made ID renewals conditional on signing a new contract that did not comply with labour law; on refusing to sign he was terminated and sent home.
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
In April 2022, Amnesty International issued a report on its investigation into Qatar's security sector, unearthing patterns of abuse amounting to forced labour including racial discrimination, no rest days, payment of recruitment fees, withholding passports and lack of overtime pay. 13 of the 34 interviewed described barriers to changing jobs. Half the workers reported employers deducting amounts from salaries for penalties for “misdemeanours” and difficult and potentially dangerous working conditions, including outside working without access to air-conditioning during the summer months. Substandard accommodation and discrimination were also cited.
One Kenyan guard, Nathan, reported to Amnesty that when he submitted his resignation letter his employer immediately terminated his contract and told him he would not receive outstanding salary or benefits. The company then filed an absconding charge against him, was detained and deported. He also experienced a salary deduction for a uniform "misdemeanour" and had been fined for using shelter without permission when deployed to an outside site.
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
In April 2022, Amnesty International issued a report on its investigation into Qatar's security sector, unearthing patterns of abuse amounting to forced labour including racial discrimination, no rest days, payment of recruitment fees, withholding passports and lack of overtime pay. 13 of the 34 interviewed described barriers to changing jobs. Half the workers reported employers deducting amounts from salaries for penalties for “misdemeanours” and difficult and potentially dangerous working conditions, including outside working without access to air-conditioning during the summer months. Substandard accommodation and discrimination were also cited.
One Kenyan guard, Joshua, reported that fear of salary deductions was constantly felt by himself and colleagues
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
In April 2022, Amnesty International issued a report on its investigation into Qatar's security sector, unearthing patterns of abuse amounting to forced labour including racial discrimination, no rest days, payment of recruitment fees, withholding passports and lack of overtime pay. 13 of the 34 interviewed described barriers to changing jobs. Half the workers reported employers deducting amounts from salaries for penalties for “misdemeanours” and difficult and potentially dangerous working conditions, including outside working without access to air-conditioning during the summer months. Substandard accommodation and discrimination were also cited.
One Kenyan security guard, Benson, reported working excessive hours with no rest days in extremely high temperatures that he regarded as unsafe.
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
In April 2022, Amnesty International issued a report on its investigation into Qatar's security sector, unearthing patterns of abuse amounting to forced labour including racial discrimination, no rest days, payment of recruitment fees, withholding passports and lack of overtime pay. 13 of the 34 interviewed described barriers to changing jobs. Half the workers reported employers deducting amounts from salaries for penalties for “misdemeanours” and difficult and potentially dangerous working conditions, including outside working without access to air-conditioning during the summer months. Substandard accommodation and discrimination were also cited.
One security guard, Hussein, reported to Amnesty that he had to work an 18 hour shift at Al Janoub Stadium (a World Cup venue) during teh Arabian Gulf Cup in 2019. He was permitted a four hour break and only provided with one bottle of water.
Companies
FIFA - Partner
Projects
Al Janoub Stadium (previously called Al Wakrah) - Client
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
In April 2022, Amnesty International issued a report on its investigation into Qatar's security sector, unearthing patterns of abuse amounting to forced labour including racial discrimination, no rest days, payment of recruitment fees, withholding passports and lack of overtime pay.
"Company B" was a subcontractor on a World Cup-related project until August 2020. Following the end of its contract, the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy found workers were living in non-compliant accommodation. Following this and during a further contract with Company B, the Supreme Committee found non-compliances including “excessive working hours, overtime short-payment, unauthorised deductions, no food allowance, recruitment fees and lack of employment contracts". Amnesty Intl. documented labour rights abuses as far back as 2017 occurring in Company B.
Companies
FIFA - Partner
Projects
Qatar World Cup 2022 Unspecified Projects - Client
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
In April 2022, Amnesty International issued a report on its investigation into Qatar's security sector, unearthing patterns of abuse amounting to forced labour including racial discrimination, no rest days, payment of recruitment fees, withholding passports and lack of overtime pay. 13 of the 34 interviewed described barriers to changing jobs. Half the workers reported employers deducting amounts from salaries for penalties for “misdemeanours” and difficult and potentially dangerous working conditions, including outside working without access to air-conditioning during the summer months. Substandard accommodation and discrimination were also cited.
Ugandan guard Zeke reported a number of issues including cramped accommodation, withheld passports, excessive working hours to complete training on four hours sleep, and salary deductions. He was deployed to an unnamed sports facility, FIFA Club World Cup and Education City Stadium, a World Cup venue.
Companies
FIFA - Partner
Projects
FIFA Club World Cup - Client,
Education City Stadium - Client
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
In April 2022, Amnesty International issued a report on its investigation into Qatar's security sector, unearthing patterns of abuse amounting to forced labour including racial discrimination, no rest days, payment of recruitment fees, withholding passports and lack of overtime pay. 13 of the 34 interviewed described barriers to changing jobs. Half the workers reported employers deducting amounts from salaries for penalties for “misdemeanours” and difficult and potentially dangerous working conditions, including outside working without access to air-conditioning during the summer months. Substandard accommodation and discrimination were also cited.
One Ugandan guard, Salim, told Amnesty Intl. he was deployed to a large transport infrastructure project. He worked for nearly three years without a day off, and worked double shifts while deployed to the FIFA Club World Cup in 2019 while only receiving a small overtime of USD27 for an additional eight-hour shift. He also reported that only some clients provided shelter for guards; when deployed to the construction site of a major transport infrastructure project he was forced to stand outside in summer.
Companies
FIFA - Partner
Projects
FIFA Club World Cup - Client
Other
Not Reported (Transport: General) - Client,
Not Reported (Security companies) - Employer
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
In April 2022, Amnesty International issued a report on its investigation into Qatar's security sector, unearthing patterns of abuse amounting to forced labour including racial discrimination, no rest days, payment of recruitment fees, withholding passports and lack of overtime pay. 13 of the 34 interviewed described barriers to changing jobs. Half the workers reported employers deducting amounts from salaries for penalties for “misdemeanours” and difficult and potentially dangerous working conditions, including outside working without access to air-conditioning during the summer months. Substandard accommodation and discrimination were also cited.
One Ugandan guard, Joseph, reported being fined six days' wages for obtaining a training certificate in his spare time; he was threatened with deportation. He also experienced salary deductions for "misdemeanours" including removing his tie in the heat. He regularly worked with no off-day. While his own accommodation was very good, he described the company's standard accommodation as "too squeezed".
Other
Not Reported (Security companies) - Employer,
Not Reported (Transport: General) - Client
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
In April 2022, Amnesty International issued a report on its investigation into Qatar's security sector, unearthing patterns of abuse amounting to forced labour including racial discrimination, no rest days, payment of recruitment fees, withholding passports and lack of overtime pay. 13 of the 34 interviewed described barriers to changing jobs. Half the workers reported employers deducting amounts from salaries for penalties for “misdemeanours” and difficult and potentially dangerous working conditions, including outside working without access to air-conditioning during the summer months. Substandard accommodation and discrimination were also cited.
One Ugandan guard, Emmanuel, who was deployed to a luxury hotel, reported to Amnesty Intl. that he was forced to work outside in intense heat during the summer months. Prior to departure he had to pay for airfare and visa even when it was covered by the employer. During employment he experienced long working hours, lacked access to a toilet while on duty, lived in cramped accommodation (at one time with 16 other people), but was unable to complain to his employer.
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
In April 2022, Amnesty International issued a report on its investigation into Qatar's security sector, unearthing patterns of abuse amounting to forced labour including racial discrimination, no rest days, payment of recruitment fees, withholding passports and lack of overtime pay. 13 of the 34 interviewed described barriers to changing jobs. Half the workers reported employers deducting amounts from salaries for penalties for “misdemeanours” and difficult and potentially dangerous working conditions, including outside working without access to air-conditioning during the summer months. Substandard accommodation and discrimination were also cited.
One Kenyan guard, Milton, worked at a hotel and described working excessive hours without a regular day off. He also described workers skipping lunch because they cannot afford to buy it owing to inadequate overtime pay.
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
In April 2022, Amnesty International issued a report on its investigation into Qatar's security sector, unearthing patterns of abuse amounting to forced labour including racial discrimination, no rest days, payment of recruitment fees, withholding passports and lack of overtime pay. 13 of the 34 interviewed described barriers to changing jobs. Half the workers reported employers deducting amounts from salaries for penalties for “misdemeanours” and difficult and potentially dangerous working conditions, including outside working without access to air-conditioning during the summer months. Substandard accommodation and discrimination were also cited.
One Kenyan guard, Jackson, reported working excessive hours without overtime pay and receiving pay that was less than stated in his contract. He described discrimination whereby Arab nationals were treated more favourable and deployed to inside locations. Jackson was deployed to a government ministry and the airport.
Other
Government (Public Entities) - Client,
Not Reported (Transport: General) - Client,
Not Reported (Security companies) - Employer
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
In April 2022, Amnesty International issued a report on its investigation into Qatar's security sector, unearthing patterns of abuse amounting to forced labour including racial discrimination, no rest days, payment of recruitment fees, withholding passports and lack of overtime pay. 13 of the 34 interviewed described barriers to changing jobs. Half the workers reported employers deducting amounts from salaries for penalties for “misdemeanours” and difficult and potentially dangerous working conditions, including outside working without access to air-conditioning during the summer months. Substandard accommodation and discrimination were also cited.
One guard, Juma reported arbitrary and exorbitant fines from the employer for minor misdemeanours, with no way to challenge decisions. He was also not given regular breaks and instead workers' salaries were cut to account for the one hour lunch break the were not allowed to take.
Other
Not Reported (Security companies) - Employer,
Not Reported (Transport: General) - Client
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
In April 2022, Amnesty International issued a report on its investigation into Qatar's security sector, unearthing patterns of abuse amounting to forced labour including racial discrimination, no rest days, payment of recruitment fees, withholding passports and lack of overtime pay. 13 of the 34 interviewed described barriers to changing jobs. Half the workers reported employers deducting amounts from salaries for penalties for “misdemeanours” and difficult and potentially dangerous working conditions, including outside working without access to air-conditioning during the summer months. Substandard accommodation and discrimination were also cited.
One guard, Omar, reported to Amnesty Intl. that his employer would employ racist stereotypes to justify harsh and discriminatory working conditions towards African workers.
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
In April 2022, Amnesty International issued a report on its investigation into Qatar's security sector, unearthing patterns of abuse amounting to forced labour including racial discrimination, no rest days, payment of recruitment fees, withholding passports and lack of overtime pay.
"Company C" was contracted to provide services across all eight World Cup stadiums as well as training sites. The Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy has identified several issues with the company through its inspections and audits including inadequate accommodation and recruitment fee payment. Company C guards were also deployed to the 2020 FIFA Club World Cup and 2021 FIFA Arab Cup; the SC discovered passport retention and excessive working hours.
Companies
FIFA - Partner
Projects
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 - Client,
Education City Stadium - Client,
Al Thumama Stadium - Client
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
In April 2022, Amnesty International issued a report on its investigation into Qatar's security sector, unearthing patterns of abuse amounting to forced labour including racial discrimination, no rest days, payment of recruitment fees, withholding passports and lack of overtime pay. 13 of the 34 interviewed described barriers to changing jobs. Half the workers reported employers deducting amounts from salaries for penalties for “misdemeanours” and difficult and potentially dangerous working conditions, including outside working without access to air-conditioning during the summer months. Substandard accommodation and discrimination were also cited.
One Ugandan guard, Jacob, was deployed to a high-profile sports and leisure facility in Doha as well as Khalifa International Stadium, a World Cup venue. His salary was deducted due to taking sick days following his COVID-19 vaccine and he was not permitted his weekly rest day. Jacob also reported that his employer retained his passport.
Companies
FIFA - Partner
Projects
Khalifa International Stadium - Client
Other
Not Reported (Security companies) - Employer,
Not Reported (Sports: General) - Client
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
In April 2022, Amnesty International issued a report on its investigation into Qatar's security sector, unearthing patterns of abuse amounting to forced labour including racial discrimination, no rest days, payment of recruitment fees, withholding passports and lack of overtime pay. 13 of the 34 interviewed described barriers to changing jobs. Half the workers reported employers deducting amounts from salaries for penalties for “misdemeanours” and difficult and potentially dangerous working conditions, including outside working without access to air-conditioning during the summer months. Substandard accommodation and discrimination were also cited.
One Bangladeshi guard, Abdul, reported to Amnesty Intl. that he had not had a day of rest in three years.
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
In April 2022, Amnesty International issued a report on its investigation into Qatar's security sector, unearthing patterns of abuse amounting to forced labour including racial discrimination, no rest days, payment of recruitment fees, withholding passports and lack of overtime pay. 13 of the 34 interviewed described barriers to changing jobs. Half the workers reported employers deducting amounts from salaries for penalties for “misdemeanours” and difficult and potentially dangerous working conditions, including outside working without access to air-conditioning during the summer months. Substandard accommodation and discrimination were also cited.
One Kenyan guard, Lawrence, reported salary deductions for off-days, threats of termination and deportation for challenging supervisors or complaining, no lunch breaks, long working hours, and outdoor work in 52 degree heat resulting in illness. He also reported reprisals from his employer who would punish worker who raised concerns by making them work "for clients with the harshest conditions". Lawrence was deployed to a major transport development project where security workers did not have protection from the sun or access to shelter, water, or toilets. He also reported discrimination and said that people from Sub-Saharan Africa were lower paid than other workers, despite having more experience.
Other
Not Reported (Security companies) - Employer,
Not Reported (Transport: General) - Client
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
In April 2022, Amnesty International issued a report on its investigation into Qatar's security sector, unearthing patterns of abuse amounting to forced labour including racial discrimination, no rest days, payment of recruitment fees, withholding passports and lack of overtime pay. 13 of the 34 interviewed described barriers to changing jobs. Half the workers reported employers deducting amounts from salaries for penalties for “misdemeanours” and difficult and potentially dangerous working conditions, including outside working without access to air-conditioning during the summer months. Substandard accommodation and discrimination were also cited.
One guard, Musa, reported discriminatory pay and said that he and other sub-Saharan African colleagues were deployed to locations with harsher working conditions (outside). His employer filed an absconding charge against him when he tried to resign in mid-2021.
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
In April 2022, Amnesty International issued a report on its investigation into Qatar's security sector, unearthing patterns of abuse amounting to forced labour including racial discrimination, no rest days, payment of recruitment fees, withholding passports and lack of overtime pay. 13 of the 34 interviewed described barriers to changing jobs. Half the workers reported employers deducting amounts from salaries for penalties for “misdemeanours” and difficult and potentially dangerous working conditions, including outside working without access to air-conditioning during the summer months. Substandard accommodation and discrimination were also cited.
One Ugandan guard, Rashid, reported working excessively long days without rest days. He also described paying USD1,500 in recruitment fees and experienced salary deductions for taking a day off or wearing incorrect uniform my mistake. Rashid also described workers' fear of termination for raising concerns with management.
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
In April 2022, Amnesty International issued a report on its investigation into Qatar's security sector, unearthing patterns of abuse amounting to forced labour including racial discrimination, no rest days, payment of recruitment fees, withholding passports and lack of overtime pay. 13 of the 34 interviewed described barriers to changing jobs. Half the workers reported employers deducting amounts from salaries for penalties for “misdemeanours” and difficult and potentially dangerous working conditions, including outside working without access to air-conditioning during the summer months. Substandard accommodation and discrimination were also cited.
One guard, Eric, was deployed to a luxury hotel. He reported that his employer held his passport for seven months.
Other
Not Reported (Security companies) - Employer,
Not Reported (Hotel) - Client
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
In April 2022, Amnesty International issued a report on its investigation into Qatar's security sector, unearthing patterns of abuse amounting to forced labour including racial discrimination, no rest days, payment of recruitment fees, withholding passports and lack of overtime pay. 13 of the 34 interviewed described barriers to changing jobs. Half the workers reported employers deducting amounts from salaries for penalties for “misdemeanours” and difficult and potentially dangerous working conditions, including outside working without access to air-conditioning during the summer months. Substandard accommodation and discrimination were also cited.
One female guard, Joyce, described salary deductions with no warning.
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
In April 2022, Amnesty International issued a report on its investigation into Qatar's security sector, unearthing patterns of abuse amounting to forced labour including racial discrimination, no rest days, payment of recruitment fees, withholding passports and lack of overtime pay.
In one case, workers at "Company A" were denied regular days off according to the labour law, and experienced obstacles to changing jobs even when the company had terminated contracts. Company A was contracted for provision of services at Supreme Committee sites, including the FIFA Club World Cup 2020. Workers went on strike in 2021 and inspections by the Supreme Committee's Worker Welfare Dept. found a number of issues including excessive overtime, non-compliant accommodation, lack of awareness of grievance mechanisms, passport retention, no provision of health cards, and payment irregularities. Amnesty Intl. had documented labour rights issues at Company A as far back as 2017 and 2018.
Precarious/Unsuitable Living Conditions,
Withholding Passports,
Personal Health,
Wage Theft
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.
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...
