"What's changed in Qatar since the ILO dropped its case?", 8 Aug 2019

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) dropped its case against Qatar nearly two years ago, following an agreement to a three-year technical cooperation and pledges for further reform. We are now at the mid-point of this cooperation. While Qatar has made some progress on its promises for reform, the advertisement of reform often outsizes the actual changes made, and considerable work remains ahead. This brief reviews key pledges made, changes to legislation, and on-ground realities since the case was dropped.

[Focus areas:]

• Migrant workers' ability to change employers;
• Restrictions on migrant workers' ability to exit the country;
• The Wage Protection System (WPS), wage payments and minimum wage;
• National complaints mechanisms, labour disputes and redressal;
• Promotion of workers' voices; and
• Renewal of residence permits.