Qatar may scrap worker sponsorship system
Last updated: 11 November, 2010
Doha, Nov 11 (AFP)
Qatar is considering ending the oft-criticised sponsorship system, under which employers sponsor foreign workers and have a great deal of control over them, the prime minister said today.
"Changes have been made to the sponsorship system in Qatar," and the council of ministers is "seriously studying" abolishing the system, Sheikh Hamad told reporters.
"We are studying the issue very carefully to preserve the rights of citizens and foreign workers," he added.
Sponsorship systems for foreign workers exist in most Gulf countries, which employ millions of foreigners, especially from Asia. The system has been strongly criticised by rights groups and likened to modern-day slavery.
In some cases, employers hold workers' passports and can deny them permission to change jobs.
Bahrain abolished the system in 2009, and Kuwait reportedly plans to do so by February.
Sheikh Hamad also said today that Qatar was not yet ready to hold its first partial parliamentary elections, which have been promised for several years.
Meanwhile, 5 years ago:
Qatar may scrap worker sponsorship system
Last updated: 11 November, 2010
Doha, Nov 11 (AFP)
Qatar is considering ending the oft-criticised sponsorship system, under which employers sponsor foreign workers and have a great deal of control over them, the prime minister said today.
"Changes have been made to the sponsorship system in Qatar," and the council of ministers is "seriously studying" abolishing the system, Sheikh Hamad told reporters.
"We are studying the issue very carefully to preserve the rights of citizens and foreign workers," he added.
Sponsorship systems for foreign workers exist in most Gulf countries, which employ millions of foreigners, especially from Asia. The system has been strongly criticised by rights groups and likened to modern-day slavery.
In some cases, employers hold workers' passports and can deny them permission to change jobs.
Bahrain abolished the system in 2009, and Kuwait reportedly plans to do so by February.
Sheikh Hamad also said today that Qatar was not yet ready to hold its first partial parliamentary elections, which have been promised for several years.