News and statements on labour migration

  1. Qatar’s new minimum wage enters into force

    19 March 2021

    Qatar’s new non-discriminatory minimum wage comes into force – adding to the series of major labour reforms underway.

  2. State of Qatar, Sweden and International Labour Organization to cooperate on labour issues

    09 January 2020

    MoU to see collaboration in occupational health and safety at work and corporate social responsibility

  3. Study identifies effective mitigation strategies to keep workers safe from heat stress

    11 October 2019

    Largest ever study on the impact of heat stress reveals effectiveness of a number of existing approaches, and makes recommendations to better protect workers during summer months

  4. Ensuring fair recruitment through the Qatar Visa Center in Sri Lanka

    18 June 2019

    ILO brings together government, trade unions and civil society to discuss progress on fair recruitment through Qatar Visa Centers.

  5. Conflict and mass displacement increase child labour

    20 March 2019

    Conflict and crisis in the Middle East and North Africa has led to an increase in child labour across the region, including in children’s involvement in armed conflict and other illicit activities, a new report finds.

  6. “Thank you Soma”: ILO documentary explores relationship between migrant domestic workers and Arab youth

    18 December 2018

    On the occasion of International Migrants Day, the ILO premieres a new documentary that aims to challenge common perceptions about migrant domestic workers.

  7. End of exit permits for most migrant workers in Qatar welcomed

    04 September 2018

    Qatar introduces new legislation to ensure freedom of movement of migrant workers, advancing its reform agenda.

  8. ILO Governing Body welcomes Qatar’s commitment to bolster migrant worker rights

    08 November 2017

    At its 331st Session, the ILO’s Governing Body recognized progress made by Qatar, and welcomed its commitment to ensuring fundamental principles and rights at work for all workers and the resulting breakthrough to end the “kafala” sponsorship system.

  9. ILO: More decisive actions needed in Qatar

    13 February 2014

    ILO Deputy Director-General Gilbert Houngbo participated in a European Parliament hearing on sports and human rights in Qatar following recent allegations concerning unacceptable working and living conditions and human rights violations affecting migrant workers involved in the preparations of the 2022 World Cup.