Qatar: entry into force of the minimum wage

Workers in a street in Doha, capital of Qatar, March 17, 2020. AFP - KARIM JAAFAR

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2 min

In the Gulf, Qatar on Saturday March 20 became the first country in the region to introduce a non-discriminatory minimum wage.

In total, more than 400,000 workers - or 20% of private sector employees - will directly benefit, said the International Labor Organization.

But for the NGO Migrant Rights, this new minimum wage does not reflect the high cost of living in the wealthy emirate.

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With our regional correspondent

,

Nicolas Keraudren

It is a small step forward. 

With the entry into force of the non-discriminatory minimum wage in Qatar, all employees - regardless of nationality or job - will have to be paid at least 230 euros for a month of work, or about one euro an hour.

This measure aims to "

stimulate investment (...) and promote economic growth

", explains the Qatari Ministry of Labor. 

It also makes it possible to respond to pressure from international organizations.

Because since it was selected to host the Football World Cup in 2022, the small gas emirate has embarked on a vast reform of its labor law.

Last summer, for example, the authorities announced the dismantling of the controversial

kafala system

But according to some NGOs, these measures are still insufficient.

The British daily,

The Guardian

, also revealed that more than

6,500 migrant workers have died since 2010

.

In particular on the sites of the World football. 

"Especially since it's not accompanied by other supplies like gas and refrigeration. You need at least QR500 [food allowance] to be able to nourish yourself here."

https://t.co/AO0Hw0mute

- Migrant Rights (@MigrantRights) March 20, 2021

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