The conditions that migrant workers have to endure in the rich Gulf countries of West Asia have been well documented before (see here). The Kafala system in force in countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE, is one of the main reasons that workers are left powerless and often stranded. Isolation and no ability to join unions complete the picture. Due to Qatar’s right to host the 2022 World Cup, a renewed focus has now centred on this country. The death toll in building these new football stadiums is being highlighted as well as the abysmal living and working conditions for workers.
The conditions that migrant workers have to endure in the rich Gulf countries of West Asia have been well documented before (see here). The Kafala system in force in countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE, is one of the main reasons that workers are left powerless and often stranded. Isolation and no ability to join unions complete the picture. Due to Qatar’s right to host the 2022 World Cup, a renewed focus has now centred on this country. The death toll in building these new football stadiums is being highlighted as well as the abysmal living and working conditions for workers.
