Qatar

Qatar has introduced significant labor reforms allowing migrant workers to change jobs without employer permission and setting a higher and non-discriminatory minimum wage. However, certain elements of the kafala (sponsorship) system remain in place, facilitating abuse and exploitation of the country’s large migrant workforce, and Qatari authorities’ efforts to protect migrant workers’ right to accurate and timely wages have largely proven unsuccessful. Some male guardianship policies and discriminatory laws against women continue. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals continue to face discrimination.

Free Speech

Qatar’s state security services forcibly disappeared a Kenyan labor rights activist, Malcolm Bidali, on May 4, 2021, five human rights and labor rights organizations said today.

May 28, 2021
Statement
Qatar: Kenyan Labor Rights Activist in Solitary Confinement
Children's Rights

May 10, 2021
News Release
Middle East/North Africa: End Violent Punishment of Children
Women's Rights

March 29, 2021
Report
“Everything I Have to Do is Tied to a Man”

Rothna Begum

Senior Researcher, Women's Rights Division

Videos

Watch more

Reports

More reports

March 29, 2021 Report

“Everything I Have to Do is Tied to a Man”

Women and Qatar’s Male Guardianship Rules
December 22, 2020 Report

Qatar: Wage Abuse Action Shortchanges Workers

Workers Still Owed Wages for Months After Informing Government of Abuse
September 24, 2020 Report

Qatar: Significant Labor and Kafala Reforms

Enforcement Needed, Other Provisions in Effect Still Carry Risk of Abuse
August 24, 2020 Report

"How Can We Work Without Wages?"

Salary Abuses Facing Migrant Workers Ahead of Qatar’s FIFA World Cup 2022