Qatar is once again facing scrutiny from trade unions and human rights organizations, with Amnesty International highlighting the plight of migrant workers, particularly those involved in the construction of facilities for the 2022 World Cup. Amnesty International has drawn attention to the case of 80 construction workers, mainly Nepalese, employed by the Lee Trading and Contracting (LTC) company, who have been left without pay for nearly a year.
These workers were involved in finishing touches on the 38th and 39th floors of Al-Bidda Tower, which houses offices for various football-related organizations. The workers are now struggling to feed themselves or send money home. When they attempted to file a complaint, the labor court imposed a $165 fee on each of them, which they were unable to pay.
Amnesty International has called on Qatari authorities to address this “critical situation.” The head of Amnesty expressed disappointment, stating, “It is a shame that one of the richest countries in the world is leaving workers at risk of starvation.”
Qatar has faced ongoing criticism for the working conditions of migrant workers, and various human rights organizations, including the international union CSI, have previously denounced the mistreatment of workers. The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) observed a minute of silence in Doha on December 2 to remember the 30 Indian and Nepalese workers who reportedly die every month in Qatar.
