Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF) has announced plans to launch a hotline for workers so they can lodge complaints against employers offering inadequate living and working conditions.
The plan was revealed at a conference attended by more than 500 contractors to stress the importance of adhering to standards for protecting labourers working in the Gulf state.
Jassim M Telefat, group executive director of Qatar Foundation ‘s Capital Projects and Facilities Management, warned that severe action would be taken against any company not adhering to the standards.
“Qatar is well known for its hospitality, and we consider the workers our guests,” he said. “We are doing our utmost to ensure everyone working with Qatar Foundation has a good quality of life, respectable living conditions and an appropriate work environment.”
The conference also aimed to raise awareness of Qatar Foundation ‘s new HSSE pre-qualification criteria. With immediate effect, all contractors and subcontractors are expected to adhere to these guidelines in order to be eligible for any upcoming strategic tenders.
“Complying with the law and QF regulations is the primary condition for being eligible for future contracts with Qatar Foundation. Any supplier, contractor or subcontractor that violates this basic criteria will not be considered for any Qatar Foundation contracts,” Telefat said.
He also revealed a plan to launch a hotline for workers so they can lodge complaints and suggestions regarding their living and working conditions.
“It is the responsibility of every contractor, subcontractor and supplier to make sure that they self-audit their practices,” he warned.
“In addition, we will be creating a helpline where workers can report any violations that take place. These are the key factors for achieving the vision of the Foundation to unlock human potential and improve the standard of living of those residing in Qatar.”
Telefat also revealed that a special department within the Foundation has been created to address all workers’ welfare issues. The department will also conduct regular assessments and inspections of all contractors to ensure they are complying with the criteria.
Qatar Foundation said it has introduced minimum requirements in relation to recruitment, living and working conditions, and the general treatment of workers engaged in construction and other projects.
Last month, FIFA President Sepp Blatter said he will visit Qatar in the next couple of months to discuss progress on labour issues with authorities.
The head of world football’s governing body will hold talks with Qatari officials before FIFA’s 2014 Congress in June while a FIFA delegation will also visit the Gulf state to gain a first-hand insight.
Since September, unions and human rights campaigners have denounced conditions for Qatar’s migrant worker population.
Qatar has been under fire for its treatment of migrant workers in the construction industry after Britain’s Guardian newspaper reported in September that dozens of Nepali labourers had died.
Amnesty International and the International Trade Union Confederation have also criticised the treatment of migrant labourers in Qatar, fearing the problem could worsen with the extra construction work needed for the tournament.
In February, Qatari World Cup organisers produced a 50-page document outlining stricter measures that would apply to contractors involved in building work for the tournament.
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