Migrant workers in Qatar are still being abused. So says Amnesty International in a new report, in which it analyzes the progress the oil state is making in reforming the labor system.
The mistreatment of migrant workers has come under a magnifying glass since it was announced some ten years ago that Qatar will host the World Cup in 2022. Since then, stadiums have been built under appalling conditions, according to the human rights organization.
Reforms
“Qatar recently introduced a number of sweeping reforms that reduce travel restrictions and make it easier for migrant workers to change jobs,” said Steve Cockburn of Amnesty International. “Better pay was also promised, and access to court in case of abuse.”
No consequences
But the labor migrants themselves are still not aware of these reforms, Amnesty says in the report. The new rules are not being observed.
Also, migrant workers would find it difficult to file complaints without jeopardizing their income or legal status. “Until these reforms are fully implemented, migrant workers will remain trapped in a vicious circle of exploitation,” said Cockburn.
Call for football associations
Amnesty has asked more than twenty national football associations, including the KNVB, to speak out publicly about the human rights violations in Qatar.
The organization also believes that the FIFA World Football Association, as organizer, bears responsibility for the tournament. “FIFA must hold World Cup partners to account and use its power to push Qatar to completely reform its labor system,” Amnesty said.
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