The Qatari government, in a statement released on Thursday, said that restrictions on the exit of hundreds of thousands of migrant workers, mainly from Asian countries such as Nepal, India and the Philippines, had been lifted. But members of the armed forces would still require exit permits, and employers could still demand that up to 5% of their workforce receive prior approval before leaving the country. The easing of restrictions is among the reforms that the country is implementing to answer widespread accusations of exploitation and other human rights abuses, in preparation for hosting the 2022 World Cup. Labor unions and human rights activists have criticized Qatar for exploitive and dangerous working conditions that have led to injuries and deaths among expatriate workers. In 2018, the country lifted the exit visa requirement for many foreign workers but did not apply the policy to domestic workers, government and public institution staff, the oil and gas industries, agricultural workers, or workers employed at sea. Qatar has a total population of about 2.9 million, of which about 10% are citizens; most of the rest are foreign workers.
Give the gift of hope
We practice what we preach:
accurate, fearless journalism. But we can't do it alone.
- On the ground in Gaza, Syria, Israel, Egypt, Pakistan, and more
- Our program trained more than 100 journalists
- Calling out fake news and reporting real facts
- On the ground in Gaza, Syria, Israel, Egypt, Pakistan, and more
- Our program trained more than 100 journalists
- Calling out fake news and reporting real facts
Join us.
Support The Media Line. Save democracy.
