The upcoming World Cup in Qatar has sparked controversy, with reports suggesting the recruitment of what is described as “slaves” for stadium construction, leading to widespread concern and condemnation.
FIFA has expressed deep concern over media reports detailing labor law abuses and harsh working conditions for construction workers in Lusail City, Qatar. The organization has announced its intention to contact Qatari authorities, and the matter will be addressed at an executive committee meeting scheduled for October 3-4, 2013, in Zurich.
According to The Guardian, a reputable source, there have been disturbing instances of exploitation and abuse of Nepalese workers in Qatar, accounting for about 40% of migrant labor in the country. The report suggests that these workers face conditions amounting to modern slavery, including unpaid wages, confiscated passports, lack of access to water despite extreme heat, and overcrowded living conditions. Shockingly, between June 4 and August 8, 44 Nepalese workers are reported to have lost their lives.
The scale of the issue is alarming, with approximately 100,000 Nepali workers arriving in Qatar last year, and the potential recruitment of up to 1.5 million additional foreign workers projected to support the construction of stadiums, roads, hotels, and other infrastructure for the 2022 World Cup.
Aidan McQuade, the director of the NGO Anti-Slavery International, responded to the reports, stating, “These documents indicate forced labor and more. It is an open secret, and furthermore, there is no concerted effort by the Qatari authorities to stop this.” The situation highlights the need for urgent attention and action to address the reported exploitation and ensure the well-being of the workers involved in the World Cup preparations.
