Qatar’s Ministry of Labour trained on international labour standards and the ILO’s supervisory mechanism

DOHA (ILO News) - The International Labour Organization (ILO) organized an engaging four-day workshop for officials from Qatar’s Ministry of Labour (MOL), focussing on international labour standards (ILS), the ILO’s supervisory mechanism and Qatar’s reporting obligations. Jointly organized by the Ministry’s International Cooperation Department and the ILO Project Office in Doha, the workshop was facilitated by Kirsten-Maria Schapira, the ILO’s Regional Standards Specialist for the Arab States, who brought a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the sessions.

Over 20 staff members from various MOL technical departments including International Cooperation, Work Permits, Labour Inspection, Occupational Safety and Health, Labour Disputes, and Wage Protection participated in the workshop.

On 5 and 6 August, the International Cooperation Department of the MOL explored the intricacies of international labour standards and the standard-setting process. Discussions emphasized Qatar’s role in the global standard-setting process as an ILO Member State, with a particular focus on the upcoming discussions on decent work in the platform economy. Through these efforts, the Minister is more informed and able to play a role in influencing and shaping new standards, including by flagging how the issues play out in the national context.

On 7 to 8 August, participants delved into three ILO conventions ratified by the State of Qatar:

• Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29);
• Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No. 81); and
• Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111)

Throughout the workshop, the Ministry of Labour developed strategies to enhance reporting on the implementation of these standards, reflecting the latest developments in labour legislation and practices.