PROTECT WORKERS, QF STUDY SAYS
A study commissioned by Qatar Foundation has recommended to the government to employ accredited recruitment agencies to prevent exploitation of migrant workers.
The report entitled “Migrant Labour Recruitment to Qatar” has also suggested that sub agents in local regions, another source of deception and exploitation, should also be regulated, brought under ethical agencies, or not used at all. The report found that recruitment agents in the sending countries are paying “kickback” bribes to personnel of employing companies in Qatar, ranging from $200-$600 (QR728 to QR2184) per worker, to secure the labour supply contracts. The study also says that most migrant workers do not sign a contract before their departure to Qatar. Those who do are more often given the contract to sign under duress, just before their departure, often at the airport when the impetus to leave has already been established, or on arrival in Qatar, the report adds.
The report was compiled by Dr Ray Jureidini, Associate Professor of Sociology at the Institute for Migration Studies at the Lebanese American University, and Director of Research at the Center of Design Innovation at Qatar Foundation.
AFP PHOTO/Prakash MATHEMA