Sweden supports ongoing labour reforms in Qatar
Swedish companies advised to seize the opportunities offered by the new labour legislation in the country
SWEDISH Ambassador to Qatar HE Anders Bengtcén, hosted a breakfast seminar on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and labour reforms in Qatar on Monday.
The Swedish business community members in Qatar were invited to hear speakers from the Ministry of Administrative Development Labour and Social Affairs (MADLSA), the International Labour Organization (ILO), and from the regional NGO Migrant- Rights.org.
In his opening remarks, Ambassador Bengtcén welcomed Qatar’s ongoing labour reforms and cooperation with the ILO. He said the reforms are attractive to the Swedish corporate sector, which has a strong commitment to CSR principles.
“Labour rights and CSR are crucial for companies that want to stay innovative and competitive. I encourage the Swedish business community to seize the opportunities offered by Qatar’s new labour legislation and other measures to attract foreign investment,” said Bengtcén.
Assistant Undersecretary MADLSA, Mohammed Hassan
al Obaidly, provided an update on the three new major laws that will come into force by January 2020 -- freedom to change jobs, removal of exit permit requirements, and a non-discriminatory minimum wage. “These reforms will ensure the protection of workers and at the same time encourage investments in the State of Qatar, benefiting the local economy and businesses,” al Obaidly said.
Houtan Homayounpour, Head of Office, ILO Qatar, welcomed the steps being taken by Qatar to transform its labour market, stressing that abolishing the kafala system would strongly support the rights of migrant workers.
Vani Saraswathi, Associate Editor & Director of Projects, Migrant-rights.org, emphasised the possibilities for employers (individuals and businesses) to be a driving force for continued change. She presented areas of concern and potential improvement and tangible tools for companies and their contractors to use.