The Dull Faces in a Villagio called Doha

these Dull Faces in a Villagio can be only compared to the face of the guy who is running beside the donkey riding children on it, at souq...

*********************

"What lies behind us and what lies before us are small compared to what lies within us."

Oliver Wendell Holmes

this is Doha!

Qatarita, thank you for your lucid and insightful posts. Please continue. I will look for your posts to learn more about the Qatari people. You are very appreciated.

lusitano you shame the memory of all those who died at Auschwitz. You obviously have not seen the look the living dead have so do not advertise your ignorance.

Easy solution, do not have so many babies that you have to send them out of your country for work. No one ever gets to the root of the population explosion and consequences but the truth is obvious.

At least Qatar offers some relief by feeding and housing so many Asians who would otherwise end up starving.

Bored faces? They are lucky to be here and better realize it. No one forced them to come here. When I see maids who are going to be sent back they are terrified of their future because there is no future for poorly educated Filipino or Malay women other than bar girls...

The post above was an observation of the display of what is going on with blue-collar workers here in Qatar.

White-collar foreigner workers also have their own ordeals, sometimes overlooked and numbed either by a long stay in this region or the misery that awaits them back home. Have a look:

http://www.qatarliving.com/node/596605

This place is possessed by evil. There is no soul, no life, just greed and hypocrisy!

It’s not a normal country where blue-collar workers are allowed to have a life, a family and a home to go back after their daily work.

What we see in their faces is the misery and sadness of modern slavery!

coz life is unfair and we have no choice but to deal with it...

"BRING IT ON DUDE!!!"

At least they have a job Lusitano...and they should feel blessed(i hope they feel that). :(

...listen to the sound of silence....

Movemove is right and just expressed my point - I have not seen Qataris smiling, being happy, having fun, shining, or expressing pleasure. They hold their children's hands on the walks without any emotions, as if they hold bags; they are having family picnics in the parks also without any emotions which should have happy families. Yet most of them are gloomy. I think, the life is not so happy when you don't have to make any efforts in your life and everything is offered to you from the birth, even the wife is chosen not by you, and you know beforhand what your life will be like - no surprisez, no wonders and nothing new... Boring... boring... boring...

a lot of sad faces because their luck in life is tough. How will Qatar be allowed to host the footy world cup given its human wrongs record? And yes, i remember the asian games....let's hope this time ppl see just how awful the living and working conditions are for so many hardworking people here....whaterver their nationality.

More sad faces......big big mistake......visited Doha 'zoo' a painful experience.......but then how could one expect animals to be happy and well treated in a place where mistreating people is the norm?!

and the saddest faces? Ironically I have seen very very few Qataris who smile. Why is that? They have a lot to be happy about, be grateful for, yet they look so downnnn

Wokay here's the thing.....WERE ALL SAD AT OUR JOBS......if i'm at work i'm not happy.....their all at work...that's why their not happy....u can't blame them......NO BODY"S HAPPY AT WORK.....no matter what they say.....

Absolutely Jasmine.

Now, we have become more sophisticated and we call it

"trade"

or

"modern slavery"

or

"capitalism"

or

*whatever fucked up term we use that justifies the means to an end*

Hypocrites, we all are.

Also in the UK, pretty much ALL items you buy from toys to furniture are MADE IN THE EAST! I have long felt that this is a double standard, come on holiday to Qatar or Dubai and whine about the conditions yet live in a house in UK that is equipped from factories in the East and clothes that were stitched by blind Chinese children so that you can buy a pair of jeans for £3 in Primark. Good point, thanks, I agree 100%

There are labourers doing major renovations on my villa at the moment and i can assure you they are collected at about 11am and return after 3pm and work for another few hours. UKeng is spot on, Qatar is doing what they can and in the main, these laws are being observed. If they didn't care a bit, they could do nothing. After all, it's not as if there are unions who would fight for it.

It's not perfect but I do respect the leadership of this country. If it were not for such a benevolent and sensible ruler, Qatar would not be the safe place it is and we would all have been kicked out years ago. We all have some share in the riches of this country in our own way.

They prefer to call a spade a BULLDOZER!! You know .. more dramatic

In my previous post I mentioned this, this has been conveniently ignored by repliers...

So what do you have to say about this?

4) You are forgetting that the majority of the WESTERN companies are located in this area, china, India and such countries, yes even here, for cheap labor and thus even though slavery is not present in 'the west', they do support it elsewhere.

True or false?

So now, if Qatar would become extremely strict with regards to labor.... they'd shoot themselves in the foot.

True or false?

Rome wasn't built in one day.....

IT NEEDED LABORERS.

:-P

I don't see the point why should they complain. Back in home country the situation is even worse. It's either they accept the reality, take it..or leave it.

Dude...Very true, but apparently for some, its too unconfortable to call a spade a spade.

FYI information that the Government here is doing what they can..:-

Ministerial Decision by the Ministry of Civil Service affairs and housing no:(9) of 2006 adopted by the Cabinet during its regular meeting no: (18) of 2006 held on 15/07/2006 regarding the suspension of work (break from 11:30 am to 3:00 pm) in open areas during summer June 15 to August 31.

All contractors or sub-contractors who are engaged in activity on behalf of your Companies should operate within the control framework of a Health Risk Assessment that has been approved by your Companies’ HSE representatives.

There is total adherence to all recommended controls and process modifications that are documented in the Health Risk Assessment in order to minimize the risk from Heat Injury and that this adherence is actively managed by the end-user Company HSE staff.

All cases of Heat Illness are fully investigated by HSE representatives in the usual manner for Occupational Injury and reports are forwarded to DG.

Individuals who suffer from Heat should be subject to a review of fitness to work that is counter-signed by the end-user Company Health Advisor prior to returning to the workplace.

-----------------

HE WHO DARES WINS

[quote:] "If anybody or anything should preach Human rights it should be Islam, thus through Sharia. Regionally I would think Saudi Arabia should take the first step in doing so. It is ironic, people live in the name of their 'god' but do not get civil protection from the same governing religious body."

Well said.. I hope our leaders will realise one day that they really don't need to reinvent the wheel..

Legislation:

1- Due to extreme weather conditions working at noon in summer time is forbidden by law and it IS implemented that's why projects are being carried out at dawn and during the night..

2- If salaries are attractive to laborers then it's not a big deal not to have a minimum salary rule..

3- BY LAW Laborer transpoeration must be by buses not in open trucks..

4- A week-day off for laborers is obligatory.. If you see anyone working on a Friday this means he takes another day off (called time-scheduling)!!

5- Daily working hours for employees are 8.. anything more is paid over-time..

6- National holidays and 3-week annual paid vacation is obligatory..

7- Access to fresh clean drinking water is obligatory..

8- Maintaining a healthy, safe working environment is obligatory..

Both of what you guys say is right, but i have to agree with lusitano more. Government entities like the Ministry of labor should take a bigger role in enforcing punishment against culprit companies. Every few months, the MOL issues violations against companies (last 1 reports of 92 violated companies-with violations like unproper accommodation, late salaries,..etc). More actions is needed.enforcing fines, having them blacklisted & raising lawsuit for instance. Apparently, none-of these measures are taken.

no problem dude, anytime, if that validates your existence and makes you happy ;)

Excellent conclusion.

Sorry to burst your sentimental bubble.

Dude,

obviously you are right and I am wrong, thank you for your contribution.

Thanks for the uber-emotional reply, it confirms my point.

Using blah blah blah in argumentation/replies... shame, you can do much much better.

Achieving? Who says I want to achieve anything? You post, I reply - that is where it ends.

I do my good deeds IN REAL LIFE - not online where any tom dick and harry can write a million words about how bad life is.

At the end of the post, there you go again... into sentimental mumbo jumbo. Victims you say? How can a person that makes a choice of coming here because of his/her dreadful situation back at home ever be a victim? Victim of his/her choice?

shut up dude

Dude,

who said that I was being sentimental and uber-emotional blabber without exploring all sides of the coin?!!

It’s a personal view (as I said, actually reflection) on Qatari's Government inability to protect those who build their country.

Of course I know bla bla bla... it’s a young nation... bla bla bla... the world is much worse outside... bla b la bla

I can’t bloody write here a PhD dissertation on the world's poverty or the inability of certain RICH governments to at least adopt models that are already in place in so many other nations in the 21st century... I know all that and I know I am not gone bloody change things with this article...

It’s just a reflection!

I believe that changes will come after pressure is applied... not that my simplest post will make the Qatari government change, but it won’t certainly contribute to the acceptance of normality.

Does it really hurt you that much the exposure of this "area for improvement"?!

Really man, I know I didn’t achieve much with the post, but have you achieved more with your intolerance for meaningless posts?

If I was going to listen to you, I would not write ever again about this issue would that make you happier?

Societies progressed because people expose those same areas for improvement and the authorities eventually feel the pressure – you know that. It is certainly not silence that will motivate them for the need change!

Just because we come from richer societies than the victims, do we have to stay quite about their pain?

Lustiano, I get your point exactly. I just do not agree with sentimental and uber-emotional blabber unless we have explored all sides of the coin. You have given us the sensitive view, I give the more realistic, yet colder, approach.

Further more your emotions are blurring your clarity of vision and ability to think logically. This I can conclude out of:

[Quote]

"If so many other countries can develop and implement immigration laws to protect those who come to help them build their nations, and if those countries are generally poorer than Qatar, why cannot Qatar do it as well? Especially that Qatar needs those people in a greater extent than the other countries do?

That’s my point, why the rich Qatari Government is so negligent in this aspect?!"

[Unquote]

Here are some reasons why I say this:

Qatar could do more and better, yet do not forget that

1) This society is VERY YOUNG, thus shaping this all takes time.

2) Qatar is NOT a democracy where parties vote based on 'peoples' needs, it is referred to as Emirati Government, while in my eyes it is a Kleptocracy when considering that families here rule in favor of their businesses.

3) Population of nationals is small and needs to be protected. Immigration laws as seen elsewhere are virtually impossible here as see 1, one can not obtain the nationality, there is no tax system that would support welfare. In short, the aspects of socialism apply solely to nationals. Which makes sense

4) You are forgetting that the majority of the WESTERN companies are located in this area, china, India and such countries, yes even here, for cheap labor and thus even though slavery is not present in 'the west', they do support it elsewhere. So now, if Qatar would become extremely strict with regards to labor.... they'd shoot themselves in the foot.

5) If anybody or anything should preach Human rights it should be Islam, thus through Sharia. Regionally I would think Saudi Arabia should take the first step in doing so.

It is ironic, people live in the name of their 'god' but do not get civil protection from the same governing religious body.

Almost all superpowers in the past like Persian, Roman, Greek have heavily relied upon slavery, but one shud acknowledge that US has become one after abolishing slavery.

what is it about lusitano's thread that you people doesn't understand?

[quote:] "I think death would seem more attractive to somebody that had it all and has lost everything."

As long as they have hope and can dream they can get back what was lost.. But to take away hope this is misery by defintion..

Dude,

Just because there is poverty and much more misery elsewhere in the world, does it mean that we should not be fare and human to those around us, even if they are not physically starving?

You probably think that I am naive to the point that I think the gondola guy is the poorest dude in the world and all the rest of the planet is so well fed, right?

Did I ever mention hunger in my post?

What I implied was the emotional sufferance that these people go through here, for not having a life, like you and me have!

Man, don't you get it? My point was not about how poor he is. its about how this country processes batches of human flesh instead of receiving with human dignity, human beings that come here to work, giving them the basic rights that workers have in the developed world, allowing them even to bring their families.

All I am defending here is that Qatar should work on their legislation in order to improve the life of those who run the country. Because Qatar can afford and those people deserve it and need it and they are here and now.

When I live in India, Philippines or in any other country you named, trust me, I will be writing about the misery I see there and I will be doing what I can to contribute to their help.

One last thing, do not assume that I wrote this and I don’t do anything else to help those who need, you don’t know me and all you can do is judge me based on what you are or what you know.

PS. Just a suggestion, when you post pictures within your comment, define the width of the picture in html, so the picture will not be posted out of the comment's box.

Qatarita,

I think you misread me as I don't recall suggesting to give maids a phone. I did suggest the rest though.

I am not worried about the staff you employ as you sound like a very nice and educated person.

My post is not about those who are happily employed in Qatar. My post is about those who are depressed due to either abusive employers or the lack of contact with their families.

That brings me to the lack of action from the Qatari Government to establish clear legislation to protect these people, by defining days off, working hours, annual holidays, minimum salary, allowing them to bring their families within certain conditions (such as providing jobs to husband and wife, etc…), etc…

You know that there are a lot of abuses of this nature here in Qatar, not necessarily from Qataris. These abuses take place because there are neither adequate laws nor adequate enforcement.

I know that in spite of their unhappiness, they are sometimes better off here, but that does not replace the Qatari Government role to protect them and ensure all are treated with dignity.

If so many other countries can develop and implement immigration laws to protect those who come to help them build their nations, and if those countries are generally poorer than Qatar, why cannot Qatar do it as well? Especially that Qatar needs those people in a greater extent than the other countries do?

That’s my point, why the rich Qatari Government is so negligent in this aspect?!

Well QatarLady,

"So they're even deprived of hope.. Death seems more attractive"

I think death would seem more attractive to somebody that had it all and has lost everything.

What is attractive for these people is 'religion', pray to God and all will become *Ey Ok*. The Christians have pulled this stunt in Africa by bringing food, water and bibles. Which is fucking hypocrite as they blackmail people into religion. I say Halleluja and listen to Mr. White for a bit who tells me about Jesus... and I get food and water. Praise God.

Veris, I am aware the 'caste system' is disappearing gradually.... I did not explain myself very well there.

Retry:

The sentence was supposed to be:

"'caste' system is a nice tribute to the Cycle of Poverty"

Even though the caste system is virtually gone, it will remain a reality for many but now more in terms of 'cause and effect' with theories coming from psychology based on ethnology - which are largely in place.

Now however people get a 'shot' in life which is not suppressed by humans. This shot in life may be "moving abroad", somebody that moves from the slums to a house in the Middle East as a driver, has essentially accomplished a lot.

Thus, this 'article' remains slightly over-emotional and unrealistic to me and is based on sentiments that stem out of some kind of guilt.

Yeah I get it.. you mean inheritance..

Born in the same caste.. Inherit the same poverty

So they're even deprived of hope.. Death seems more attractive..

It's good news they're becoming uncommon as verisimilitude says..

Now PM will accuse me of denigrating other people's religions..

Lady, I am aware of that that's why I said:

ALMOST, not literally,

Was more of a comparison.

There shouldn't be untouchability in this day and age

The caste system is unacceptable too...

Both of these are associated with India

BUT

Anyone who is familiar with Indian society would be aware that they are both fast becoming uncommon

These practices are almost nonexistent in urban India but it is still practiced though in rural parts of India

In most parts of India, if anyone were to even attempt to practice untouchability... he'd probably get man handled

But if you still want to have at a go at a disappearing problem... HEY... go right ahead...

This is not genetic but a belief system.. The "caste system" is set up by Hindoism.. It's man-made not genetic..

TERM:

Cycle of Poverty

Poverty is ALMOST, not literally, genetic. It passes from generation to generation.

The Hindu's with their 'caste' system is a nice tribute to the 'caste system' as they actually put the theory in to practice. So, of course the lower class is much higher in numbers (and growth) than the 'untouchables' whom are likely to become lesser in numbers. Moving up the ranks is virtually impossible, hence poverty is created.

[quote:] "education to better themselves. Both declined."

Some ppl think that their misery is a destiny that no matter what they did will not escape.. So they don't see the relation between education and better chances..

Or they're concerned of the here and now.. Let me live my life now and won't bother about what happens tomorrow..

I have read almost 50% comments of all you guys and gals and impressed by your positive thoughts. Some of you think poverty make the man unhappy. Can I ask poverty of wealth, poverty of wealth or poverty of knowledge? No, poverty is not cause of sadness since my father’s death when I was only 10 (we were richest in area at that time, but lost all wealth because of some reasons), worked for my family and studied myself. Many time I became sad but not for wealth, not because of my poverty. Just then when someone disgraced me because of my status while I deserved appreciation for my best deed. The rich think they are master of all, they have only their rights and they don’t care about rights of other. They don’t care for self respect of other people. For something bad happening they become rude and harsh on the poor but for good deeds they never say a word of thank or “Good” to appreciate. When a poor man comes to know that his services will have not a reward or appreciation, he does his job with dull face. Lusitano said he saw a Qatari family taking meal and child of the family brought a piece of food for maid and taking that she became happy and smiled, you know why, because she felt that someone cares her. Someone loves her by heart because of her service (love) she gives to child. I am sorry to say that wealth has stoned the eyes and heart of man. And he does not see & feel love and affection.

So we have to promise that we will love every one and care all of those who are working with us, living with us and serving us.

May Allah Bless All of you with a lot of happiness and joy and you make happy to all your friends and family members and give them a flower of smile every day which cost nothing.

Beats me Alexa...

Arien,

I appreciate your sentiments but they are dwelling in emotions. In essence you are absolutely right, however... you think from your reality, not theirs.

Anybody that gets on a plane, goes because he expects a better life or to be able to provide better for their family.

It has nothing to do with half a meal-attitude. It is the harsh reality of life that is unfair and sometimes extremely rough.

I just try to put it into perspective.

Lusitano, you mentioned giving the maids a phone, the day off...you even suggested utopic ideals.

My family and I have had the good fortune of having a filipino nanny who has lived with us for over 25 years, she has raised me & now participates in the care of my children, who kiss her forehead out of love.

True she joined my parents home through a job, but she with her unique personality has earned the respect of & is very much an integral part of our family & is often consulted when descision making.

She doesnt have a sad face and laughs the loudest when we go to the cinema on weekends. She may not be the general rule but I doubt that she is the exception either, as I have seen many oldtimers equally happy & comfortable in the houses of their employers that they now call home aswell.

Ask any qatari family or anyone privvy to this info(or police station)& they will tell you of how many incedents occur with domestic staff.

Yes, few concern the employees mistreatement, but 90% are results of the opposite.

The freshest incedent in my mind was that of the domestic staff of one Qatari family: A driver and his lover the maid. They ran a descreet home business, she would creep into the drivers quarters at night unoticed by the sleeping housewife & children.

This habbit went on for a long time and was only discovered by the employer husband upon unexpectedly returning from a trip only to find a small que of 3 men huddled in the drivers room eagerly watching and waiting for their 50 Riyal ride. It's incedents like this, which the police investigate that enforces families to restrictions such as phone and day offs.

The reasoning that Qatari families apply towards their housemaids are that they are in our homes amongst our children and under our care and protection from people who may exploit them. Protected from silly choices they may harm themselves with, and always after regret. The maids reside in very decent quarters and have access to use the house phones, to make calls home and to receive calls.

These Qatari families are very social and have gatherings that enable housmaids socilaise with others, within controlled conditions that reflect the society and culture of the Gulf arans they CHOOSE to work for. intentions are sometimes not that of one wishing to intergrate within a certain culture with moral and social boundaries.

Usually this fact is not seriously studied when they apply for domestic jobs in the Gulf. Many employers who cannot afford to pay the agency again the required sum of 7500 QR for a replacement end up having to the endure a power struggle within the home. Hence there are sad faced maids and equally sad employers. I have yet to attend a gathering without hearing this qualm aired.

It is more than poverty that many imported domestic staff suffer from, its a lack of morality that they often succumb to that compounds their situation.

This reminds me of an interesting quip Alfred P. Doolittle states of his condition "“middle class morality.” (Act II) In answer to Higgins question “Have you no morals, man?” Dolittle replies “Can’t afford them. Neither could you if you were as poor as me” (Act II).

Qatar is becoming the new 'american dream' to some, a less than glorified one at that, but neverless to many a dream. However Qatar is a muslim conservative country whos indigenous lifestyles & rules are no secret even to those who come to work as domestic staff from far away places.

What I dont understand is why they become so disheartened when they come face to face with this reality, a reality they fully understand and wish to continue returning to.

Dude- so? They both are two sides of the coin. whether his master back home or the sponsor here.

YOu are still sticking to it Dude - Half meal attitude. Sorry I stand by it, they are underpaid.exploited.

whatever sort of crcumestance they are coming from is not the criteria bro. They should be paid better, treated better.

______________________________________________

- Listen to Many...Speak to a Few -

Thanks for sharing your experience here! I don't think many here will listen to your words, they'll think you and your family are rare breed, but I believe you. Simply because I've experienced it first hand, and seen Qatari families treating their staff like family.

I've also seen the elderly of some families making lunch and distributing meals to the whole neighborhood, on a weekly basis, to the poor and the less fortunate.

I would wish to see construction companies in particular doing something better than the current slavery, otherwise the core problem of Qatar and the Gulf will only aggravate to the worst condition, despite of the good done by many.

Salam

And the same bastard that sits comfortably will, likely, treat him even worse than he is treated here.

I am not approving, just countering this thread by being (as I think) realistic.

My guess Arien he would be doing this

IF LUCKY

Arien,

I do not support or condone many things with regards to laborers, however I do realize the reality in which we are living.

Let us turn it around. Let us say that people were not allowed to travel or leave their countries to find a better life...

What would the Gondala driver/nanny/bag boy be doing now?

Well, I ddnt know speaking on the truth is weak EI!!! lol

Dude, correct me if am wrong..

So you all support the attitude of ''Since you are from a state of no food, half meal a day is enough for you''??

Dont you think most of them are underpaid?

______________________________________________

- Listen to Many...Speak to a Few -

you may see this scenario in villagio only who is lucky enough given an off.look other part of it....as myself not promanading in villagio but still the sad soul you've seen them is the same i feel here in work.My boss not allow as to have a day off,mal treating us and dont even paid my salary.Im afraid to come out in the open coz im just direct hired and nobody care to help me.Im just wait the time that i will be set free here.God bless!

Ah,

Ladies with common sense. Qatarita & QatarLady.

Harsh but true..

Misery is a mixture of injustice, selfishness and personal choices

Dude was pragmatically stating facts as they are.

Many share PMs sentiment "Just because they may not have all the opportunities someone else has, we still can feel for them. Or at least I can"

For some the harsh realities in life cannot be stated matter of factly unless they have a pinch of "this is awful" and a dash of "how unfair" to make the issue more palatable.

I suggested Zakat. Islams fundamental prerequiste of an annual 2.5% alms (try to find out how much the Muslims own esp the very well off then deduct 2.5% and then come up with ANNUAL plans on how that can be used, the results- poverty no more

But I havent heard of soultions being made here?

*Perhaps an organisation much like QAWS (did I get it right?) that helps the unfortunate animals in Qatar. A similar organisation can be set up to continually work towards helping the sad humans here on a monthly basis? If there already is one , the apologies I havent heard of it yet.

*Maybe some of your comfortable homes & a parts of ones monthly salary can be shared to help the ones in the labour camps they are 'forced' to live in?

*Maybe different types of outing can be planned and redirected to their embassies gates and picket them untill they take adequate care of their own nationals rather than trading them off as they do?

Untill something like the above suggestions are implemented (or better ones) then it remains as Dude stated the unfortunate but true fact that its:-

Survival of the fittest....we can also call it survival of the luckiest, Survival of the self serving.

It can also be summarised in a relative sense by applying an abstract form of survival: Survival of the most content (this in fact summaries everyone who makes a concious attempt to be happy and content)

NB According to labour law work contracts in Qatar they last one year by which the employee has the right to go back home, which they dont, they often stay on average a full 2 years and they often go for a vacation and come back for more. Infact many always have a freind or sister or brother who wants to apply for work here, knowing full and well what they are getting into.

Its good to open both eyes when looking through the lenses of pink marabou rimmed glasses

You can't teach experience...

Lastly...

You ask any of these kids if they want a job as a Gondola Driver.....

I know I seem harsh and emotionless, of course I do care yet wish to display some points to have a bit more of a realistic look on these matters.

Indeed Alexa,

I think the people they talk about are the people that try very hard to escape from this

Let me make a point:

Poor, yes. Yet, alive, working and able to survive with a roof over their heads and the ability to send money home.

What do you think peoples in the slums in India, Philippines, South Africa, Bangladesh, Indonesia and so on and so on think of a nanny or driver here? I think they consider these people rich, hence the reality in which one lives determines the perception of "wealth".

We see these images here?

I think all of you are dreamers that consciously have lost touch with reality and can make yourself feel better because you have shown a sign of compassion, ONLINE.

WRONG.

you know idealman, for those maids who are away from their families during new years day and you offer them something is everything to them

very nice attitude idealman, thanks for treating your maid well

Maybe they pay it as a bribe

steve I know a maid who rides the gondolas for a hobby.

She loves it.

steve I clean my cleaners room every new years day morning as a thankyou for all their hardwork in the year.

And if on New Years day there is any food leftover from dinner , I will certainly make sure I save some for her.

Thankyou

steve

stev

I have noticed on a number of occassions the robots i supply to Villagio being mocked.

I am working on their personality programs as we speak , and the new models will be available soon.

Thankyou for your patience .

Qatari Lady .. I dont think there is any government who will charge the poor labourers or housemaids when they visit home. Its absolutely wrong.

I know in India, The emigration doesnt allow women to go on Housemaid employment abroad. So they bribe the authorities to get clearence, may be thats what they meant.What to do , corruption is the name of the game.

Indians working abroad are rather exempted from Income Tax, and has many other reservations and subsidies since we support the economy in bigway. Last year contribution was 24 billion US dollars to India, the highest in the world.

You have rightly put it , that Qatar or the employer Qatari is not responsible for the illfate of the poor and starving from abroad.BUT that doesnt mean they can be used and exploited by throwing peanuts. And you and your hubby will be blessed and my big heartfelt thanks if you treat them well. But most of them doesnt. Thats the fact.

______________________________________________

- Listen to Many...Speak to a Few -

government is working on this issue! I red that four years ago and yet I haven't heard any solve cases.

yes there are no homeless people in qatar among labourers I agree because there are 10 people inside one room instead of 4

[quote]: "upon arriving here, another contract comes out with all the exploitations in it and thats the time your government approves it not knowing the real aggreement."

This is out of your own imagination.. Government not knowing? Get your facts from Labour Dept. pls. I'm an emplyoer and I know how things go..

About housing labourers yes some employers are greedy they provide very indecent accommodation to insure bigger profit margins but the government is working on this issue.. Note though that there are no homeless ppl in Qatar among labourers..

I'm not defending inflicting misery.. but put things in the right perspective..

after having read a lot of the above posts, its nice to see there are still caring people out there. Though from some of the replies, its also sad to see that we still have more than enough people who are selfish and uncaring. Maybe these are the people who have never wanted or needed anything in life? I dont know. It doesnt hurt to spare a little consideration for others, it makes the world a better place. As for one comment about 'life being short and enjoy it', while this life may be short, there are lots of religions in the world that still believe in reincarnation, i hope those people get what they deserve, to come back as a gondola driver or a maid for some 'lucky' rich person (who got thier money from daddy or mummy no doubt). Maybe then they will be able to appreciate the better things in life!

Excellent topic,

I believe this is the best article written in this forum.

god bless you, praying that suffering in this world will end someday, and people realize the real meaning of religion and humanity.

A person who does not speak out against the wrong is a mute devil.

"As for regulations, they do exist. We cannot bring anyone in Doha without acceptable contracts endorsed by both parties' governments."

acceptable contracts when the employee is still in his home country signing it but upon arriving here, another contract comes out with all the exploitations in it and thats the time your government approves it not knowing the real aggreement.

Thats what we'er talking about, why can't you combat this inhuman doings.

If they have not left their jobs, they must be happy. So anyone who is does not resign HAS to be satisfied. And if a government treats its citizens bad, how can we treat them better? Makes no sense at all, it's like trying to patronize.

I agree but, having come from the UK that has extremely stringent rules on wages, conditions and equality, I can assure you that this poverty and inequality still goes on. The difference is that the service industry in the UK relies on illegal immigrants who have no access to medical care and do not exist therefore are open to the worst exploitation and many end up trapped in the sex industry. At least here it is a more honest system. As I said before, just looking at people and speaking to them is enough to start change. And when you hear someone from your own country speaking to people as if they are utter filth, tell them off, I do. I recently saw a British woman slap her maid and I did tell her what I though of her. Who do we think we are, an Empire??

QatariLady,

I was not talking about poverty in the world and its causes or its possible eradication measures. That is a very important issue that should not be overlooked; it was just not the issue of my post.

The issue is the lack of will or perception of need from your government to implement laws that would protect these people from the exploitation written all over their faces. Your government is GUILTY of negligence!

I already mentioned and will repeat, it’s not only the miserable salaries they get here, and it’s also the deprivations of a life like a human being. Right to have a home, right to have a weekend off, right to have minimum salary, right to have all these protection laws that are already in place in the developed world.

Take my country as an example, poor as it is, all immigrants are protected by law just like any other national and after a few years of living there, they can choose to apply for full citizenship!

The people that I am referring to in Qatar are treated as second class citizens, as they are deprived of many basic rights.

The existence of poverty in their own nations is not an excuse for the Qatari government to pretend that all the abuses are normal!!!!!!!

It's a matter of evolution of mentalities - to use an extreme example - the way these people are brought in to Qatar would never be accepted in Sweden, or Norway or many many many many other civilized countries.

Its not that Qatar's government can't afford modernizing and humanizing its laws, it’s just either they don't want or they don’t have the sensitivity and vision to do so!

I was referring to the fact that what makes them bear this unpleasant situation is a much worse one back home.. Poverty is not always caused by natural causes.. Wealth is sufficient and available everywhere but ppls or governments aren't cooperating (if not corrupt)..

Qatarita mentioned Zakat above.. It will lift this misery if implemented worldwide..

I know your topic isn't about poverty but securing ppl's basic needs saves them the trouble of enduring injustice and maltreatment..

Yes we need to make conscious efforts to acknowledge their humainty.. after all a smile is charity..

Underpaid? hmmmm don't think so.. A maid told me that in Indonesia you can build a decent home for QRs 20,000! That's about 2 years' wages !

As for regulations, they do exist. We cannot bring anyone in Doha without acceptable contracts endorsed by both parties' governments.

Great article, should be published in the local newspaper or on TV.

== Live as there is no tomorrow ==

I do notice them. I always stop and say Hi to the guy at Carrefour who checks in your shopping bags and I always give him 10QR when I collect my bags. I know the security guys in Virgin, the guys in Starbucks and I take the Karwa bus with the workers and know many of the Dukhan road guys by name.

Often it is not just about tipping but more, for me about looking people in the eye, smiling, acting as if they exist and being one human to another to them. Even if that means sitting next to them, eek a man! eek, a bit sweaty!! I have had a few arguments with people here who say I am "spoiling it for the rest of them" because once a week my Indian cleaner spends half an hour on my Skype to his wife, parents and children.

Personally I like having a cleaner and living in a country where there is a service industry. The divide between rich and poor is the way the world currently is and it's not my, or Qatar's fault. There is a difference between service and slavery and many people forget that here.

QatariLady,

I was not referring to the lucky ones who are treated well by their employers.

I was referring to the majority of the unlucky ones that are victims of their greedy employers and to the primitive or non existent law to protect those and ensure them a minimum of human dignity.

You know that in spite of your kindness and of many other Qatari and foreigner employers, there are many abusers that are free to behave as such, as there are no laws to restrict them.

The dull faces are serving them!

I don't know the circumstances of every single individual.. Probably their misery is caused by their countries not Qatar..

I have ppl working for me at home and in a private business.. My maids go home for a month only and come back even though they're entitled for 2 months every 2 years.. One of them went home only when her husband died.. They actually complain that when they go home they have to pay a "fortune" to their governments to be able to come back.. Of course I pay for them (well, my husbands does) but what kind of a government that would "share" the savings of those poor people!

Almost the same with the employees.. I have some who chose not to take their annual leaves this years..

qatarlady, accept the reality about the situations of underpaid expats here but it's good that there are a few like you who cares about the welfare of those unfortunate people. I also believe that it's not qatar itself but in the other hand this government is not doing something to combat exploitation done by foreign companies

Thank you all for your valuable inputs and opinions.

The intention of this post was to recall the attention to the fact that this rich nation, has not yet had the time and the will to establish and implement basic rights for workers, such as minimum salary, days off, the right to have a home and their families with them, holidays, medical, etc, etc, etc...

Basic things that will ensure human dignity, that will give a reason to the gondolas drivers to at least be happy when their working day is over; to the maids that at least could have a day off and meet with their friends...

To remind all of us that this nation still import batches of human flesh instead of individual humans that have right to be treated as such and have right to aspire to the basic human rights of having a home, a family, protection rights against greedy employers, etc... just like any other emigrant to any other civilized country!

After all isn't this country on the top of the great GDP’s list?

These are basic rights that have been established and implemented in many many other countries, with much less resources than this one.

Why can't it be done here?

Of course it is much more comfortable for some of us to look through these cases, as if they were invisible or part of the decor, to pretend that all this is normal and all this abuse its not that but whatever it is, reflections on its causes and existence just don’t take place in our busy and blind minds.

Personally, I think it’s a matter of time. Maybe it will take decades, maybe it will take centuries, but I believe that applying pressure by exposing the obvious abuses, will eventually force those in power to act upon.

And that is what I am trying to do here, contribute to that exposure, to the pressure!

Thank you all.

PM

Reality is and remains to be the harsh reality of the Middle East. Modern Slavery is FACT.

I never said we could not FEEL or CARE, and yes I realize my post seems relatively 'cold', but... NEVER ever forget that these people that CHOSE to take on these jobs are NOT here JUST BECAUSE... in the end they decided that this would be an improvement. Surely there are exceptions to the rule, but...generally NOBODY steps onto a plane in search of an EQUAL life. The prospect is always improvement. The reality/situation differs from person to person.

I never throw out clothing, I give it away.

I buy my staff pastries and will never ever not sign a resignation or give them warnings that lead to reduction in salaries

I stand up for my staff if anybody feel the stupid need to be rude against them.

But I do realize the reality of our surroundings and have put into perspective the emotional parts of observing the less fortunate.

I may have well written this article 5 years ago, but experience tells.... realities, differ.

that there are many things to consider about why anyone is here and how they feel about it, I don't think it's bogus to feel something for people who seem to be in unhappy situations here. Just because they may not have all the opportunities someone else has, we still can feel for them. Or at least I can.

Survival of the fittest, yes. But we don't have to lose our humanity on that climb up the ladder.

I refuse to drink the kool-aid! -- PM

As goes for this article it is bogus.

Ask yourself, and answer.

- What opportunities does the Gondola driver/labor/cashier have in his/her own country?

- Why is this individual here?

- Have I ever been in Slums in Philippines, Sri Lanka, South Africa, India or such a nation? (FYI, I have been)

- What would "the bored" individual do when home?

- Is there any gain for these people by being here?

And so on....

Now, this article is written by somebody who feels guilty for not doing enough for his/her fellow human beings. Nobody need to change the world, nobody can help all but anybody can contribute a little.

People are living in different realities. Some poor some mid-class some rich. This all depends on where one was borne and in which "environment" one was born. The majority of the people will struggle all their life, and a few will climb up the stairs. The harsh reality of life.

In the end it IS

"survival of the fittest"

Culture will always remain culture, it take decades to break boundaries or taboo's. I think with Muslims these processes go even slower as they are subject to heavy laws and social control.

In the end, McDonalds and Coca Cola will prevail. No worries.

Qatari Lady...you know what I think we would all benefit from doing housework and getting children off tv, out of malls helping out and gaining a level of maturity our youth badly lack.

Husbands would have to be more attentive otherwise comforts of home would crash down around him, as he too will be forced to benefit from this change and become a more family oriented role model because of it.

Our houses would start to decrease in size for want of practicality, we would be nicer with our neighbours and society may start to heal.

We would be too busy with better things than reverting to filling the emptiness and lack of personal growth with material gains just to show off to people we dont like with things we dont need with money we shouldnt spend.

Yes I think i would like this very much, and mind you this is coming from a woman who hasnt the foggiest idea how to operate a washing machiene, for a family home whos staff members outnumber that of the family members.

Yes I would want my children being raised in a healthier environment than one i was born into.

I think society would be better for it.

ANd btw we didnt have maids 50 years ago...ok we had slaves, then, but life wasnt as fake as it is now, and people were healthier and happier than they are now.

Nicely wriiten Qatarita. As you said,They were part of our families. the next generation have well integrated ino the society.Some are having high ranks at the government . Although inter-marriages still looks far, but there is no discrimination in general

But it is quite apparent that mixing black and "lighter Arab" (for want of a better term) is definitely a no-go. I just wonder if it will ever change.

Anyway, we can discuss that on another thread if anyone is interested.

I refuse to drink the kool-aid! -- PM

Inter marriages restriction is not limited to the blacks.

Sorry, if I implied that.There is still some cultural taboo, in

Inter marriages among qataris in general. Whether arab tribes, persians,

Arab of persia or blacks.

Anyway, sorry for hijacking lustino thread

intermarriage? I understand that marriage is an alliance of love, families, businesses, etc. But what I don't understand is why there is still no intermarriage on any noticeable scale. Any thoughts?

I refuse to drink the kool-aid! -- PM

dude. I didn't understand your last phrase:

"Contribute on a small scale in whichever way you can, enough housewives here with fuck-all to do :-P "

Sorry, got lost in translation...

dude. I didn't understand your last phrase:

"Contribute on a small scale in whichever way you can, enough housewives here with fuck-all to do :-P "

Sorry, got lost in translation...

I'm still a student :-)

Yes, I am very happy to have elected Obama. My grandchildren are bi-racial and I love to know that they are growing up in a time of greater possibility. I am not ashamed to admit our weaknesses as a nation. In fact, I think by airing them we are more inclined to change them.

I refuse to drink the kool-aid! -- PM

What I was asking about was the abolition of slavery, making it illegal. When was that?

As for my plans, I think I need to set aside a monthly amount for charity in addition to my zakat. And I will get involved in more charitable activities (although I hate groups and will still prefer to work individually, not wanting my name or picture published).

I refuse to drink the kool-aid! -- PM

and very well expressed. Recently my sister visited me from Canada and we went to City Centre one afternoon. We saw a maid struggling to control two little boys and when we walked by her my sister said, "what a shame - her eyes have died - there's no sparkle or life left in that poor girl" and I realized that was something I often saw but didn't express. Since then I see it, or maybe recognize it, very often and it makes me very sad indeed. Even though we can't alleviate the misery for many at least we can feel compassion for the human struggle which is their lives sometimes.

PM, Where did you think the back gulf people originated from, these are our brothers and sisters whom were brought from Africa. But are every bit a part of society as we are, some still retain our last names as their identity of whom they are a part of.

Most of the powerful families in Gulf countries had the majority of black (few white) slaves.

Theyve been here since the days of the Prophet Mohammed PBUH.

I said 50 yrs,age wise some are dead but had they been alive today the one in my mind would be a ripe old 90- 100 years old, thininking back to the age of the few of whom I had the fortune of personal interaction with.

The ones that belonged to my mother and father, although i spent more time with the maternal family.

The earliest slave famous you will read of was Bilal; He became one of the prophets closest companions when he found that Islam made him equal to his master.

This I can attest to was one of the die hard habbits this part of the world let go prior Islam.

HOWEVER Unlike the US they werent mistreated in the Gulf, flogging was unheard of, the worst punsihment would be to be sold off. They raised us and were very much a part of our familys. The ones who breast fed our parents automatically became kin.

Also when a slave woman would be bedded by her owner, also unlike the West she wouldnt be passed around as this automatically made her a wife, in fact when she bears him children they automatically become legally his children equal to that of their brothers and sisters included in this is thier right to inherit.

You mention written sources? This is it right here, ive written it now.

Although you ought to know Two famous examples of sons of former slave women: 1- Sheikh Saad Al Abdulla who became crown prince of Kuwait - you ought to at least know this fact PM!!!

And HRH Prince Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud, the Saudi ambassador to the US PM, I hope youre saying "ohhh yes" right about now.

See and you all cheered when Obama was elected, we beat you to it centuries ago.

BTW you havent mentioned your plans " Alexa dont do anymore,I personally think I can and I intend to"

Care to share with us?

[quote]: "but life wasnt as fake as it is now, and people were healthier and happier than they are now."

Even in a simpler society there will always be -I will not say miserable- but less fortunate ppl.. Like you said we didn't have maids but we did have slaves(that was even worse..)..

When you come to think of it, every single person, poor or rich, has problems and worries to keep their faces dull most of the day, even the HRH! We can eliminate the severeness of this misery which we already do but maybe not enough..

I'm not really sure why you are offended by the idea of someone wanting to give more....

I refuse to drink the kool-aid! -- PM

Are you serious? When was slavery abolished practically and legally in Qatar. I have never read anything on the subject.

I refuse to drink the kool-aid! -- PM

I personally think I can and I intend to.

I refuse to drink the kool-aid! -- PM

Thanks Lusitano for a well written article that touches a cord of guilt when we see these unhappy faces in such a rich surrounding

but it doesn't negate the fact that there is so much misery. Perhaps we can do more, right?

I refuse to drink the kool-aid! -- PM

I felt like I was there with you.

I suspect many of us need to reassess our place in all of this.

I refuse to drink the kool-aid! -- PM

Very well-written..

How can they be happy when they're away from their families and KIDS!! It's the maids that really break my heart (being a mom)..

Qatarita..

Think of the Zakat being implemented on a large scale worldwide.. The Zakat of the Fortune 500 companies will probably form the annual budget of those labourer's countries.. Will we be prepared then to do housework?! :(

Gica contra.. I dont know u, hence have nothing personal against you.

BUt I stand by wht I said as response to what you posted,its crap. and I have neithr any intention nor any hope to change your percpective on the subject.

If a worker choose to come here and work for 600, thst because he doesnt have a choice, that doesnt mean they should be used and exploited by paying them that peanuts. There are companies who pay 12 and 1500 instead of your 600 too in Qatar. Do something you can on that if u can.

_____________________________________________

- Listen to Many...Speak to a Few -

that laborers being deprived by their rights?

NHRC stresses on adherence to labour law

DOHA: The National Human Rights Committee has laid emphasis on employers and sponsors strictly adhering to Law No.14/2004, which regulates the working hours of labourers during peak summer.

The human rights committee also observed that some work sites lacked the mandatory facilities to be provided there during peak summer.

The committee took exception to the practice of the officials concerned sitting in their offices and waiting for workers to submit complaints against erring employers. These officials must visit the project sites and ensure that the concerned law is being implemented by the sponsors and the rights of the workers are being protected, it said.

http://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/Display_news.asp?section=Local_News&subsection=Qatar+News&month=July2009&file=Local_News200907042230.xml

Truthfullvisitor, the thing is Zakat is not mandatory in a legislative type of way, it is mandatory in the way God expects us to give of free will, like prayer there are no prayer police but we choose to do it.

However when it comes to money, mans vice has always been one of accumilating rather than sharing.

The prophet Mohammed who lived and died a poor man, well awear of our grieviance gave us clear cut instructions on Zakat, By God it is required as a prerequist of Islam (peace - submission to God)thus leaving no doubt and warning very sternly those who don't.

You're average Joe, or should I say Mo, pays his small 2.5 % of his wealth -which to him is relatively big, the same demographics as those effected by the stock market here.

And the same demographic is what the tables in the malls are for. Even well off Muslims in the region pay Zakat.

But not enough to solve the problem of what this thread is about, age old poverty and lack of opportunity.

Im talking about the mind boggling rich ones at the top of the wealth pyramid, which is who i specifically referred to. They dont pay zakat which is obvious.

Maybe busy buying $72M Rothkos...as you know it serves mankind better that way ;)

Money is a responsibility and not a right

I thought all Qataris paid Zakat. You mean that a third of them don't? I am surprised, especially given the visible charity presence in the malls etc. But even if they did, there are other ways of spending the charity money, particularly with the 'they chose to come here' mentality that so many people have.

Beautifully poignant and well written post Luistano.

I thoroughly enjoyed and hope to learn from ThruthfulAdvisors well structured insights aswell.

Just a simple but practical solution that I wish could one day be implemented is that of Zakat.

Zakat (Charity or alms) is the Muslim solution to the problem of impoverished destitution and one of the madatory 5 pillars of Islam required of every muslim.

2.5% of their wealth must be paid annually. Can you imagine the outcome? I know that those who inhabit the top third of the pyramid of wealth don't pay Zakat or else this problem would have been nonexistant.

Sure i do understand what you mean about building oneself up, improving skills and so on, but this is not the kind of place for that to happen. Anyhow the point is about putting safeguards and checks in place to prevent the worst exploitations.

Tell me, what would 750 riyals have bought you 15 years ago round here? just interested to know.

UK-Eng

We all are :-P

15 years back; not alone but with my wife in Gulf and gone thru all sorts of issues.

One need to have a progressive and positive attitude; hone their skills and grab the opportunity.

Dude you calling me an alcoholic?..:) how did you find out?..lol :)

-----------------

HE WHO DARES WINS

dnt you know the GLAZED,,ZOMBIE look is the IN look for 2009?

the doe-eyed,smiling faces is just a fad!!!

but really,your comment has a point.the inner emotion has manifested to the exterior.

every person ive met,talked with and observed coming to our shop has the glazed,zombie look too.

must be the water then...arrrggghhhh

very well written...

its the sad reality of life...

Life's a bitch and then you DIE! ;)

So now we know why so many male expats are half alcoholics, to deal with their nagging spouse.

UK...

To me there is nothing worse than an obnoxious spoiled housewives that has fuck-all to do and starts complaining and harassing people out of boredom.

They have a name: Jumeirah Jane's

No, no, you do the Desperate European Housewives a great disservice. I am offended on their behalf. There is plenty of exercise to be had in taking stray cats to the vet for spaying and neutering or "volunteering" for the latest feel-good cause.

Carrying the catbox from the car to the door in these temperatures takes its toll you know.

We speak up for the disenfranchised, but who will be brave enough to speak up for these poor Ladies of independently wealthy means?

nice to read comments from people like you truthfull and lusitano, I can see how you follow the QLrule stick to the forum topic..

Dude.. what makes me laugh, is that these so called housewive's even get housemaid to do their house work.. No wonder they are putting on wieght..:)

-----------------

HE WHO DARES WINS

Truthfulvisitor,

I have to agree with you!

Sadder than the reality it self, is the insistence of seeing it as normal!

Donosa,

We may not forget that these societies are young and most likely could not function without the presence of labor. It takes time before you will see unions here and/or a governmental organ that oversees human rights properly.

It is likely to come, but in due time.

For now, people that have concerns and feel the need. Contribute on a small scale in whichever way you can, enough housewives here with fuck-all to do :-P

thanks Lusitano. I also rather enjoyed your little foray into prose writing with your post.

I would further add - I'm no communist, but it p8sses me off when I hear people try to pretend that they're pioneering some kind of turn of the century 'American Dream' here (he started out as a tea boy in Dubai and now he's a CEO type-of-thing).

This debate is fundamentally about the interests of Capital versus Labour, and the moral urgency for concrete safeguards to prevent the exploitation of people who are at risk from their own unfortunate 'circumstances', to use Victor's word. Minimum wage being just one of a number of safeguards that can be used.

Maybe then we could move away from the irritating fashion of 'if you don't like it leave' which ACTUALLY means: "Life has given me a very sweet little package of privilege indeed, thank you very much, and there isn't enough to share around with everybody. So, rather than me losing anything, why don't you just go away and allow me to roll around in my lovely life like a pig in sh*t.'

I think you have something personal against me. Watch your language and if you don't like what I posted, doesn't mean is a crap! This is what I think and you cannot change my ideas by being aggressive!

YES, I do saw people smiling when they send money(this 700 QR...)and I know also that a 800 QR salary Nepali worker is calling me every week to came back in Qatar, after he resigned and said to me that he will never come here! So, tell me, who is to blame: Qatar with 600 QR salaries or the origin countries with more less than that? Open you mind, see the entire picture...For an old and wise guy like you it will not be difficult.

truthfulvisitor ,

Have I said that I admire your eloquent and pragmatic writing style, not to mention the quality of your posts' contents!

Thanks for the input.

yes, some people wanted to go home instead but what can they do, they are already here and if they go home, where would they get the money to pay their debt, a debt that they have so that they could come here and work. signed a contract for 1500QR back home then upon arriving here forced to sign another contract again for 700 QR. what can they do? what would you do if you were on their shoes?

i'd be prepared to bet neither of you have to live on 750 riyals a month.

For sure the majority of people here, I'm talking about the local people, are kind and compassionate and have many good qualities. They are keen to give to charity, live in large families and show kindness to others and the elderly. I don't doubt any of their good points.

The truth is that there are several 'Qatars' existing simultaneously. Their world is very different to the world of the industrial area. What the former are not made aware of, or maybe they know but don't fully appreciate, is the depth to which the lowest slave class is exploited. This is something that readers on this website know well but it is easy to ignore when the most difficult task of your week is to stroll around Gucci and LV and pick out which four hangbags you are going to buy next.

For the latter, life means to be left out in temperatures that cats and dogs cannot even bear; feeling suicidal or taken to hospital with heatstroke; 'accidental' deaths and insanity kept out of the newspapers, covered up even by their own embassies and the media; sleeping in rotten portacabins with 9 other bodies; no union representation or power to improve their conditions.

Not things you or I would readily experience, or tolerate.

It is not due to the malevolence of any particular social class but only of greedy slavemasters who, having extracted their pound of Asian flesh, don't even want to pay the measly 500 riyals a month to their victims in return.

It is human trafficking and yes it happens in many places but THAT IS IRRELEVANT TO EVERYTHING - it happens here, and *HERE* is the place we are actually discussing.

For example, The fact that slavery existed in the USA does not provide any comfort to these poor victims. (Next time you see one of these poor buggers, drive up to him, roll down your window a bit and say "hey, it sucks, but what those evil imperalist European b*stards did in other countries was far worse!! Oh, and if you don't like it, leave!" You'll be sure to add some moral clarity to their wretched situation.)

Nor does the real estate price of a 2 bedroom house in India matter ONE BIT when discussing this, or arrogantly pretending that 'they' are 'used' to these kind of conditions because in 'their countries' that's how it is. Come to think of it, why aren't they kissing my feet with sheer gratitude?

It is, as a previous poster said, survival of the fittest. Either the contractor makes the profits or he pays his men more. Without the mechanism of unions, an aggressive and assertive media and other factors, he will get do it because he can get away with it. And why shouldn't he? He's backed up by thousands of educated morons spouting the awfully clever justification of how 300QR a month can provide five star comfort if you're living in a Bombay slum etc etc etc

We are all equally complicit in the state of these people. And none of us - not just the contractors - (and, truthfully, myself included) is willing to jeopardise one little iota of what we have to help. We are all equally guilty as we sit around and politely avert our eyes from those yellow school buses that no schoolchild would ever be forced to travel in.

We only slew our collective guilt of the upper classes of society and weaken the argument away from those unfortunates for whom the little gem of 'if you don't like it leave' is of no practical help whatsoever.

yes dude! But that statement is precisely what makes the employers take advantage of them....

The last place I worked at we had a Tea Boy, he was on about 750 a month. He went back home after some time and bought himself a farm and then he could stay at home with his family. He didn't smile much here, but was happy when he was home on his own farm.

I don't see any reason to CRY and sympathies, it is purely a matter of personal choice. Man is born free but he himself opted to be in such situation or sometime circumstances brought him here.

I have seen people progressing in their life/career with such cruel incidents and one should always look around for better options and jobs to satisfy their basic needs/comforts.

Just a few examples....

A taxi driver in Dubai (20 years back), now is a Finance officer in a MNC.

A sweeper (from Qatar cleaning company) 15 years back; is an Office assistant in charge of adninistration living happily with his family in Qatar.

One need to have a progressive attitude.

Lustiano....

Survival of the fittest.

These Gondola drivers have this job for a reason, because they need it. If they would not need it, they would not do it.

Sympathy with the poorer in society is good, however one can put it into perspective. ALL made a choice of coming here in search for a better life, it is likely that an Indian labor that makes 750 to 1000 here, at home make 200 to 300 and has to clean the inside of oil-tankers, or has some odd job that could cost his life. Here, compared to many their lives are horrible, however we may never forget that he is now sending home 100% salary which he can support his family with.

Again, if there would be no need for them to be here they would not.

you are comparing Qatar to Auschwitz????? You should be Majnoon Ajnabi not me.

Johnpur... yep, sit on your "pity potty" and think that someone else is taking of it.

It's so simple to be wise. Just think of something stupid to say and say the opposite

if one rich helps only one poor wid honesty.....poverty wll be out from this world

majnoon nobody follows the above article.....what happens in doha is if someone is working less than your normal working hours they will show you the article 73 and get u in trouble......but incase you are over working nobody will talk abt it.

Aana free, jaana free,

Pakde gaye tho khana free.

truthfulvisitor,

The looks of those at Auschwitz then and the looks of those in Doha today, are sadly very similar.

majnoon, if ricky reports it he as well might get into trouble himself....

no need to report it coz I think they already know that these things happen not only in lulu but to most of the companies here and still they are ignoring it.

for me reporting such practices is useless here, helping these poor fellows in a simple way as lusitano had said is much better solution.

I am thinking more of the faces of the newly arrived labourers left to camp on the departures area of the airport. Some of them look vaguely optimistic about the awful fate that is to befall them, as they lie there in the airconditioning waiting for someone to pick them up.

It is rather how I imagine prisoners at Auschwitz might have felt on the way there on the train - being told they'd have a 'hot shower' and something to eat. A touch of weary optimism.. the place doesn't look so bad..

if that is true (and I doubt it) then you need to report Lulus to the Qatari Labor Ministry.

Article (73)

The maximum ordinary working hours shall be forty eight per week at the rate of eight hours per day with the exception of the month of Ramadan when the maximum working hours shall be thirty six hours per month at the rate of six hours per day.

The time spent by the worker in transportation to and from the place of work and residence of the worker shall not form part of the working hours.

The working hours shall include an interval or more for prayer, rest and taking of meals which interval or intervals shall not be less than one hour and shall not be more than three hours. The said intervals shall not be taken into consideration in calculating the working hours in fixing the rest interval but the worker shall not work for more than five consecutive hours.

The Minister shall by a decision specify the types of work in respect of which the work may continue without stoppage for the purpose of rest.

Article (73)

The maximum ordinary working hours shall b e e ighty f our h ours per week at the rate of eight hours per day with the exception of the month of Ramadan when the maximum working hours shall be thirty six hours per month at the rate of six hours per day.

The time spent by the worker in transportation to and from the place of work and residence of the worker shall not form part of the working hours.

The working hours shall include an interval or more for prayer, rest and taking of meals which interval or intervals shall not be less than one hour and shall not be more than three hours. The said intervals shall not be taken into consideration in calculating the working hours in fixing the rest interval but the worker shall not work for more than five consecutive hours.

The Minister shall by a decision specify the types of work in respect of which the work may continue without stoppage for the purpose of rest.

http://www.qatarembassy.net/Qatar_Labour_Law.asp

Johnpur,

That’s exactly it.

The only ones who can change things, is the government. The existent laws take into account the misery of the world, from where is always possible to get thousands and thousands of people to come here and work for peanuts no matter how harsh the working conditions are.

When Qatar will have the same sort of law and enforcement that any civilized country has, which protects all workers equally, with human dignity, then I will admire the way they spend the oil and gas money by contributing to the improvement of the world with fare reward to those who build their country!

Until then all I see in this, is hypocrisy ruling, taking advantage of the poverty in the world. As they well know that without this poverty, they wouldn’t get all these underpaid poor souls!

The development of Qatar is fed by the world’s misery!

All we can do is to help them as much as we can!

i guess no solution ricky, unless the govenment starts to impose their laws seriously, then there's no chance for these people to be happy

If you observe carefully ,the cash counte girls at Lulu are also overworked , exhausted , underpaid and SAD most part of their work routine. They get Friday 1/2 day off and work 16-18 hours a day daily thru the week .

So what is the solution to all this ?

Voldermot & Lustiano ...Very true and nicely written

i try and overlook these dull faces...i know its kinda sad when u look at them....from the very little time i get apart from work....sometimes its even more miserable for me than them when it comes to work... i cant afford to look at them and make my day go dull also.

Aana free, jaana free,

Pakde gaye tho khana free.

yeah it's true, dull faces can be seen anywhere in the world but not as dull as you can see from the people working in the GCC

I notice it all the time... And sometimes for some reason I keep some of those faces on my mind. Their eyes and the sadness in them, the stories hiding beneath their gloomy smiles. I just wonder.

But the thing is, this is not the only place in the world where this is going on. It actually happens everywhere in the world. Believe me, there are immigrants everywhere in the world without their families. And I've seen those faces everywhere.

But you know, they are not all miserable, I've seen a lot of this people smiling and laughing. I think it also depends on the person's ability to find joy in small things, it is not all of them who have dull faces.

You know what is sadder?? Looking at all this faces walking around the souqs with nothing to do on a Friday afternoon, wandering the streets with no shades, no entertainment for them. That is the saddest part. I would admire Sheikah Moza 10 times more if she organized some entertainment for these guys, these poor guys who are by themselves in a harsh country.

At least to make nicer their only day off from hard work.

And what do YOU do about this? Do you smile at them, are you nice at them? Do you treat the shop attendant? Don't you think that it is also upon us to smile and brighten their lives, at least for a few minutes...

Yes, friends, we can make a little difference.

GIca Contra- What a crap you have written there, the discussion is on the life of those poor people. Are you telling them that life is short and to enjoy it?? and where did you see them smile when they get their 600 and 700 riyal salary??..

You said it Voldermot - Like Vegas also wrote in a thread long back. Tip them well, thts all we can do.

______________________________________________

- Listen to Many...Speak to a Few -

Thanks Voldemort, you got exactly my point.

Yes it could have been better written, personally, I think you did it!

It could not have been written better, Lusitano..we always treat these people like furniture..

When we go out to spend a day at Villagio with our families, they are everywhere, but we hardly ever notice them: the guy in the parking who washes our car, the guy who line up the shopping carts and takes them back , the guy who mops the floor, the cashiers, the guy who bags your purchases,the guy who serves at us the food court, the guy who cleans up after us,the housemaids accompanying their masters,the drivers waiting in the Land Cruisers, the guy who work on the road outside the mall,the guy at the petrol station when we stop for gas..i can keep on going all day...

Of course there are people who do these jobs everywhere in the world, but even in India where we have the poorest of the poor, I have seen them do it with a smile on their lips, and an occasional joke between them, and a discussion about politics to spice up things... because end of the day after work, they can go home to their houses, be it a slum or a gutter,see their children, sleep with their wives.

never I have seen this zombie like look on people's faces other than in the GCC..and how we can expect any joy from their faces, when they hate their job, their living quarters, their boss, their colleagues, their customers, this country where they live, and even their own lives. The only thing which keeps them going is the thought of those aged parents who need medical care and food, those spouses who they see every 3 years and those children who hardly remember Dad.

They live their lives for the satisfaction experienced once a month, when they sent almost all their salary to their home country and try to subsist on a few hundred riyals until next payday.

What else can we do other than be a little more kind to them, tip the guy who cleans our table, the guy who fills up gas in our car,the cleaning boy in our office an extra riyal or two..they do need our smiles or kind words, but more than that they will appreciate a few extra riyals...

I'm also "a dull face" from time to time...and I have all the comfort I need here. I'm not ignoring those people, I'm trying to help (in a small scale) but that's all I can do! I think that I get used that's why I let the impression that I ignore them...If you really want to see dull faces, please come with me one day to visit Industrial Area...it really depress me... muito deprimido!

@ micu_ale: welcome to The Matrix!

so true lusitano.....if only we could do something to change these things.poor people

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Never say never

you have real life confused with the seven dwarfs who whistled while they work. I see people that earn $50 per hour with the same look, hard work or boring work is the same no matter where you work and we all don't get to choose what we do.

It's so simple to be wise. Just think of something stupid to say and say the opposite

So true Lusitano.. It breaks my heart every time I notice these people - they're humans just like all of us, yet they have to endure being treated like robots, like they don't have emotions. It's really sad to see this , if only they could get a better quality of life, they deserve it just as much as anyone else does..

Very True !!

infact i had visited yesterday to villagio and i asked tat guy tat i will ride tat thing myself.

But tat chap told "NO SIR" :(

Gica Contra,

Actually I am not in a bad mood :)

It’s nothing to do with the mood, its just looking at the world with a human eye.

One thing is to be poor around your family; the other is to get a bit of money in exchange of pain and separation from your family.

I could just ignore like you do, but it’s not possible for me!

Maybe you're in a bad mood...that can explain. But in every country I visited (around 40...) I saw dull faces.Qatar is not an exception! And the contrast is coming when you'll see the same dull faces becoming happy faces in the salary day, when they send money at home.And also, I consider that they are not fitted for customer relation business if they have that dull face during work...not professional...

Lusitano, life is a b**ch but is short...so, enjoy it!

Lusitano , well said - Lessfortunate ones allover.. poor maids, labourers all sweating, and gets the peanuts. I wish the authotrities come up with a minimum vages system... :(

______________________________________________

- Listen to Many...Speak to a Few -

Very true lusitano.... I always observe this...

They lost the luster in their eyes..emotions in their face..just blank look...

probably they don’t have a reason to smile...maybe not even seen their family for ages...

How depressing it could be....

Yesterday I got a closer look of their faces when we distributed these beverages to these road side workers...

a small attempt to make them smile...

Two different worlds living side by side. A world of blindness from the well off to the world of sadness to the less off.

Very well observation Lusitano..

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HE WHO DARES WINS

excellent.. Too often we are caught up in our own little world that we fail to notice what is "really" going on..

I too feel sorry for the maids. Too often they are treated as "outsiders"..