A Viewpoint of Working Life in Qatar

The following are NOT my comments but those of a western Muslim who worked in Qatar. PM me for the link to the website.

It's an eye opener and food for thought, please read on.

Thu, 12/18/2008 - 7:42pm — Anonymous User
"No responsibility."

"I am a western Muslim that worked at QP for about 2 years under contract. During this time, it was ok as i was essentially living like a ex pat with no interest in joining into Qatari daily life with them. Then I become friendly with a few from the masjids/mosques and my education on Qatar and Qataris began.

When my contract ran out, I was "hired" by a Qatari who worked for an Al thani and wanted to build his own company. I established it for him, set up all the infrastructure and external company contracts over about a year, with a car and essentially no pay but with lodging. of course I had my passport kept by him which took about 2 months to return to me.

In his mind, i was treated very well by him and his family, but unfortunately he forgot about everything that goes with hiring someone not of his culture or even continent and his responsibility. He believed that no wages/salary, coersion into his way of life by way of financial control on his part, and essentially ownership of the person by way of control was the way to treat people to get what he wanted.

I believe that he did not understand the mindset or culture with regards to human rights, or equality or just chose to ignore it and everything that is normal in the western world. In the Qatari minds they are the kings in their land and as such have ownership and title over all things inc wealth and soveriegnty and people. They fail to recognise that with globalisation comes global responsibilities in all things whether they like it or not.

The unique perspective that Qataris and Gulfies have in general is from the bedouin lifestyle of times past and they do not comprehend the change that has occurred or if they ignore it it is because they are afraid and ignorant of change and losing control of their way of life. unfortunately, most of them do not see the damage this attitude has on their way of life or perception of them from the outside world.

Human rights is not a term that they and other cultures understand so well, it is up to the international community to effect change from within Qatar by strict measures that protect the migrant workers. Unfortunately, the Qataries buy and bribe diplomats and people in the know that can effect change very easily. Wealth and Greed is the cornerstone of some things and the Qataries understand very well how to manipulate the two to get what they want.

I do not believe they can change unless they lose their wealth and are driven to understand their current way of life must change. I think that the expats should also take responsibility and force the issue through combined action ie strikes, informative action groups, and public shows of dissaproval along with diplomatic pressure. They cannot lock everyone up and if they do, who will run their country for them??

God bless the migrant workers and help them in their struggle to find a better way of life in Qatar!!! and to the Qataris, change will come, so be prepared for it because the people who you wrong do not forget!!!

Eid Mubarak and Merry Xmas and happy new year."