Amidst Concerns for Migrants, Qatari Construction Continues

Construction on the largest stadium being built for Qatar’s 2022 World Cup is due to begin this year. British architectural firm Foster and Partners designed the stadium, which will hold 80,000 people. Five World Cup stadiums are currently under construction. The situation of migrant laborers who work on these stadiums has recently garnered more media[…]

Kuwait Contemplates Controversial Proposal

Kuwait may soon undertake new steps to change its population ratio, which is comprised mostly of migrant workers. Currently, Kuwaitis make up just over 30% of the country’s current population. The new law would force migrant workers to leave the country if fired by their employers. Supporters of the proposal claim that unemployed expatriate workers[…]

Spotlight on Oman: A Move to Protect Migrant Domestic Workers

Migrant domestic workers are set to receive greater protection in Oman, according to an announcement made last week by Oman’s Ministry of Manpower. On April 27, the advisor to the Minister of Manpower, Salem Al Saadi, told the Times of Oman that the government is planning to legalize the rights of migrant domestic workers (MDWs)[…]

Labor Reforms in Qatar & UAE Require More than Rhetoric

The international community has devoted an unprecedented level of attention to migrant labor abuses in Qatar since its successful bid to host the 2022 World Cup. NGOs and governments alike have called on the Qatari government to increase protections for migrant workers amidst a slew of abuses. Qatar has not been alone in facing international[…]