NHRC Commends Qatar Efforts to Improve Workers Conditions

The National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) has commended the efforts made by the State of Qatar to improve the conditions of workers, referring in this regard to several legislative amendments that are all in the interest of the workers that preserve and promote their rights.
Jaber Al Huwail, Director of the Legal Affairs at the NHRC, highlighted in a press statement on the occasion of International Worker's Day is celebrated on May 1, each year, the State's efforts in the protection of workers' rights that were amended by Law No. 14 of 2004, on the application of the Wages Protection System (WPS) which obligates companies to transfer the monthly salaries of workers and all their dues to their bank accounts, in order to guarantee the worker's right.
He also referred to Law No. 21 of 2015 on the entry and exit of expatriates and their residence, which entered into force on 13 December 2016, and the abolition of the sponsorship system, so that the relationship between the worker and the recruiter becomes a contractual relationship governed by their contract of employment.
Al Huwail noted that the world's countries celebrate the International Worker's Day is celebrated as it had become a symbol of the struggle of the working class for their rights and workers' day. He stressed that the right to work is a human right, based on international legitimacy and charters, but it is different from other rights such as the right to food and the right to education or the right to a fair trial, freedom of expression, etc., as it includes as well the protection of certain negative aspects, such as exhaustion resulting from physical and mental effort and stress.
He pointed out that the right to work comes at the forefront of human rights, and that not only meets the human need to enjoy one of its rights, but also guarantees the protection of human beings as they struggle to earn living and ensures the well-being, continuity and justice of the international community with all its members.
He added that "Islam has bestowed upon worker care and dignity , and recognized his rights for the first time in the history of work, as work in some ancient laws meant slavery, subordination, and humiliation ." Al Huwail stressed that the NHRC would not spare any effort to protect and promote the workers' rights in the State. The NHRC paid great attention to the right to work and to the rights of workers based on its objectives of promoting and protecting human rights and freedoms, provided for by Decree law No. (38) of 2002 on the setting up of the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) , and Decree Law No. 17 of its organization, he noted.
He said the NHRC shall consider any violations of human rights, including the rights of workers, by working to settle complaints it receives and to coordinate with the competent authorities to take necessary measures and to propose ways to address and prevent them." He explained that the NHRC conducts field visits to the workers' gatherings and monitors the human rights situation. It also works to raise awareness and educate the workers about their rights and duties by launching information and awareness campaigns, printing and distributing pamphlets, and educational leaflets to the workers, besides organizing events including training courses, conferences, seminars and workshops in addition to reports relating to the right to work and the rights of workers.
He pointed out that the Committee, as part of its efforts to closely follow up workers' issues, has opened offices it is headquarters for Indian, Nepalese, Philippine and Nigerian communities and that offices for other communities will soon be opened to reach the largest community and address the problems that may arise. 

Source: QNA