Politics of Qatar

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The political system of Qatar is a semi-constitutional monarchy with the emir as head of

state and chief executive, and the prime minister as the head of government. Under
the Constitution of Qatar, the partially-elected Consultative Assembly has a limited ability to
reject legislation and dismiss ministers. The first general election was held in 2021.
The hereditary emir of Qatar (currently, Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani) holds nearly all executive
and legislative authority, as well as controlling the judiciary. He appoints the prime minister
and cabinet. According to Freedom House, political rights are limited.[1] Qatar’s international
politics is characterized by strategy of balancing and alliance building among regional and
western powers. It maintains independent foreign policy and engages in regional balancing to
secure its strategic priorities and to have recognition on the regional and international level.

Contents

 1Legal system

o 1.1Alcohol

o 1.2Piety

o 1.3Workers

 2Executive branch

 3Ministries

 4Consultative Assembly

 5Political parties and elections

 6Administrative divisions

 7Criticism

 8Foreign relations

 9References

 10External links

Legal system[edit]
Sharia law is a main source of Qatari legislation according to Qatar's constitution. [4][5] Sharia law is
applied to laws pertaining to family law, inheritance, and several criminal acts (including adultery,
robbery and murder). In some cases in Sharia-based family courts, a female's testimony is worth
half a man's and in some cases a female witness is not accepted at all. [6] Codified family law was
introduced in 2006. In practice, Qatar's legal system is a mixture of civil law and Islamic law.[7][8]
Flogging is used in Qatar as a punishment for alcohol consumption or illicit sexual relations.
[9]
 Article 88 of Qatar's criminal code declares the punishment for adultery is 100 lashes.
[10]
 Adultery is punishable by death when a Muslim woman and a non-Muslim man are involved.
[10]
 In 2006, a Filipino woman was sentenced to 100 lashes for adultery.[10] In 2010, at least 18
people (mostly foreign nationals) were sentenced to flogging of between 40 and 100 lashes for
offences related to “illicit sexual relations” or alcohol consumption. [11] In 2011, at least 21 people
(mostly foreign nationals) were sentenced to floggings of between 30 and 100 lashes for
offences related to “illicit sexual relations” or alcohol consumption. [11] In 2012, six expatriates were
sentenced to floggings of either 40 or 100 lashes. [9] Only Muslims considered medically fit were
liable to have such sentences carried out. It is unknown if the sentences were implemented.
[12]
 More recently in April 2013, a Muslim expatriate was sentenced to 40 lashes for alcohol
consumption.[13][14][15] In June 2014, a Muslim expatriate was sentenced to 40 lashes for consuming
alcohol and driving under the influence. [16] Judicial corporal punishment is common in Qatar due
to the Hanbali interpretation of Sharia Law.
In 2016, Saudi Instagram star and model King Luxy was arrested in Qatar for allegedly being
homosexual. He spent 2 months in custody before he was released. Qatari embassy in turn
reported that he was arrested before departing from Qatar's only civilian international airport for
various charges having nothing to do with his sexual preference and counter-alleged him for
intruding on the privacy of a Qatari citizen.[17]
Stoning is a legal punishment in Qatar.[18] Apostasy is a crime punishable by the death penalty in
Qatar.[19] Blasphemy is punishable by up to seven years in prison and proselytizing can be
punished by up to 10 years in prison.[19] Homosexuality is a crime punishable by the death
penalty for Muslims.[20]
Commercial relationships are governed by Qatar's Civil Code. [21]

Alcohol[edit]
Alcohol consumption is partially legal in Qatar, some five-star luxury hotels are allowed to sell
alcohol to their non-Muslim customers.[22][23] Muslims are not allowed to consume alcohol in Qatar
and Muslims caught consuming alcohol are liable to flogging or deportation. Non-Muslim
expatriates can obtain a permit to purchase alcohol for personal consumption. The Qatar
Distribution Company (a subsidiary of Qatar Airways) is permitted to import alcohol and pork; it
operates the one and only liquor store in the country, which also sells pork to holders of liquor
licences.[24] Qatari officials have also indicated a willingness to allow alcohol in "fan zones" at
the 2022 FIFA World Cup.[25]
Until recently, restaurants on the Pearl-Qatar (a man-made island near Doha) were allowed to
serve alcoholic drinks.[22][23] In December 2011, however, restaurants on the Pearl were told to
stop selling alcohol.[22][26] No explanation was given for the ban.[22][23] Speculation about the reason
includes the government's desire to project a more pious image in advance of the country's first
election of a royal advisory body and rumours of a financial dispute between the government and
the resort's developers.[26]

Piety[edit]
In 2014, Qatar launched a modesty campaign to remind tourists of the modest dress code.
[27]
 Female tourists are advised not to wear leggings, miniskirts, sleeveless dresses and short or
tight clothing in public. Men are advised against wearing only shorts and singlets.[28]
As of 2014, certain provisions of the Qatari Criminal Code allow punishments such
as flogging and stoning to be imposed as criminal sanctions. The UN Committee Against
Torture found that these practices constituted a breach of the obligations imposed by the UN
Convention Against Torture.[29][30] Qatar retains the death penalty, mainly for threats against
national security.
Workers[edit]
Under the provisions of Qatar's sponsorship law, sponsors have the unilateral power to cancel
workers' residency permits, deny workers' ability to change employers, report a worker as
"absconded" to police authorities, and deny permission to leave the country. [31] As a result,
sponsors may restrict workers’ movements and workers may be afraid to report abuses or claim
their rights.[31] According to the ITUC, the visa sponsorship system allows the exaction of forced
labour by making it difficult for a migrant worker to leave an abusive employer or travel overseas
without permission.[32] Qatar also does not maintain wage standards for its immigrant labour.
Qatar commissioned international law firm DLA Piper to produce a report investigating the
immigrant labour system. In May 2014 DLA Piper released over 60 recommendations for
reforming the kafala system including the abolition of exit visas and the introduction of a
minimum wage which Qatar has pledged to implement. [33]
In February 2022, The African Regional Organization of the International Trade Union
Confederation (ITUC-Africa) welcomed the recent announcement by the Qatar government to
abolish exit permits for migrant workers. ITUC commended Qatari government for the obvious
show of genuine commitment towards meeting their pledge made to the International Labour
Organisation (ILO) to effectively reform their labour laws so as to bring in conformity with ILO
Conventions and other international statutes. [34]
Cases of ill-treatment of immigrant labour have been observed. The Nepalese ambassador to
Qatar, Maya Kumari Sharma, described the emirate as an "open jail". [35] Qatar does not have
national occupational health standards or guidelines, and workplace injuries are the third highest
cause of accidental deaths.[36] In May 2012, Qatari officials declared their intention to allow the
establishment of an independent trade union.[37] Qatar also announced it will scrap its sponsor
system for foreign labour, which requires that all foreign workers be sponsored by local
employers, who in some cases hold workers' passports and can deny them permission to
change jobs.[37]

Executive branch[edit]
Qatar is ruled by the House of Thani as a semi-constitutional hereditary monarchy. The head of
state and chief executive is the emir. There is a prime minister (who serves as the head of
government) and a cabinet appointed by the emir. Under the Constitution, the partially-
elected Consultative Assembly can block legislation with a simple majority vote, and can dismiss
ministers with a two-thirds vote. Two-thirds of the members are popularly elected, and the
remainder are appointed by the emir. [38]
Politically, Qatar is evolving from a traditional society into a modern welfare state. Government
departments have been established to meet the requirements of social and economic progress.
The Basic Law of Qatar 1970 institutionalized local customs rooted in Qatar's
conservative Islamic heritage, granting the Emir preeminent power. The Emir's role is influenced
by continuing traditions of consultation, rule by consensus, and the citizen's right to appeal
personally to the Emir. The Emir, while directly accountable to no one, cannot violate the Sharia
(Islamic law) and, in practice, must consider the opinions of leading notables and the religious
establishment. Their position was institutionalized in the Advisory Council, an appointed body
that assists the Emir in formulating policy.
In February 1972, the heir apparent and Prime Minister, Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani,
deposed his cousin, Emir Ahmad, and assumed power. This move was supported by the key
members of Al Thani and took place without violence or signs of political unrest,
On 27 June 1995, the heir apparent, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, deposed his father,
Emir Khalifa, in a bloodless coup.[39] Emir Hamad and his father reconciled in 1996. Increased
freedom of the press followed, and the Qatar-based Al Jazeera television channel (founded late
1996) is widely regarded as an example of an uncensored source of news in Arab countries.
However, the network has been met with negative responses by the governments of many Arab
states.[40]
On 25 June 2013 Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani became the Emir of Qatar after his father Hamad
bin Khalifa Al Thani handed over power in a televised speech. [41]

Main office-holders
Office Name Party Since

Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani 25 June 2013

Prime Minister Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdul Aziz Al Thani 28 January 2020

Emir of Qatar
The Emir, or Amir, of the State of Qatar (Arabic: ‫ )أمیر دولة قطر‬is
the monarch and head of state of the country. He is also the commander-in-chief of
the Armed Forces and guarantor of the Constitution. He holds the
most powerful position in the country, and has a prominent role in foreign relations.
The emirs are members of the House of Al Thani, whose origins are in the Banu
Tamim, one of the largest tribes in the Arabian Peninsula. The present ruler
is Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who succeeded on 25 June 2013.[1]
The prime minister of the State of Qatar (Arabic: ‫ )رئیس الوزراء القطري‬is the
second most powerful official of Qatar, who heads the Government of Qatar.
Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar from the coup d'état of 22 February 1972, was the
first holder of this position from its establishment on 29 May 1970. He served as prime minister
until the coup d'état of 27 June 1995, when he was deposed by his son Hamad bin Khalifa Al
Thani.
On 28 January 2020, Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdul Aziz Al Thani became the prime minister,
as Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani resigned.[1]

Ministries[edit]

 Ministry of Foreign Affairs[42]

>The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Arabic: ‫ )وزارة الخارجية‬is the ministry responsible for

handling Qatar's external relations as well as its diplomatic efforts, including the maintenance
of its diplomatic missions across the globe.[1] As a perk related to its position, the Minister of
Foreign Affairs gets to set the central agenda for the nation's propaganda outlet Al-
Jazeera. The current minister is Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.

 Ministry of Defense
 Ministry of the Interior[43]
 Ministry of Public Health[44]
 Ministry of Commerce and Industry[45]
 Ministry of Municipality and Environment [46]
 Ministry of Finance[47] >The Ministry of Finance is the ministry responsible for
handling Qatar's public finances.
 Ministry of Culture and Sports[48]

>The Ministry of Culture and Sports (Arabic: ‫ )وزارة الثقافة والرياضة‬is the ministry responsible for
administering Qatar's cultural policies and programs. Its responsibilities include organizing
cultural events, promoting cultural cooperation, publishing local literature and raising awareness
of Qatar's culture.[1] As of 2016, the ministry also presides over sport and youth club affairs. The
current minister is H.E.Salah bin Ghanim Al Ali.[2]

 Ministry of Administrative Development, Labor & Social Affairs [49]

 Ministry of Education and Higher Education[50]
 Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs[51]

>The Qatari Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs (AWQAFM) is a Qatari government

agency also known as the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs and the Qatar
Awqaf Authority, which was created in April 2022 with the stated aim of "ensuring that all
areas of modern life comply with the principles of Islam." [1] Despite the Ministry's contributions
to the promotion of Islam in Qatar.

 Ministry of Transport and Communications[52]

 Ministry of Justice[53]
The Ministry of Justice of Qatar is responsible for the following duties:[1]

 Supervising the practice of law in Qatar

 Defending the federal government in cases that are filed against it
 Overseeing the registration of legal processes
 Reviewing contracts undertaken by other governmental bodies
 Increasing awareness of the law, providing legal training for government employees, and
monitoring any law-related professions
 Amiri Diwan – Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani
 >The Amiri Diwan of the State of Qatar is the sovereign body and the administrative office
of the Amir. It is the official workplace and office of the Amir of the State of Qatar. The Amiri
Diwan represents the figurative and bureaucratic center of Qatar.[1] The building also hosts
the office of the Deputy Amir and the Prime Minister.[

Consultative Assembly[edit]
The Consultative Assembly (Majlis ash-Shura) is a 45-member partially-elected legislature made
up of 30 elected representatives and 15 appointed by the emir. Elections were repeatedly
delayed after the 2003 constitutional referendum introduced this framework.[54][55][56] In 2006,
Deputy Prime Minister Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani announced that elections would be
held in 2007. However, only municipal elections were held.[57] Due to voting laws, those who did
not have family in the country pre-1930 were not allowed to vote. This excluded 75% of the
population.[58] The first general election was eventually held in October 2021

Political parties and elections[edit]

Qatar held a constitutional referendum in 2003, which was overwhelmingly supported. The first
municipal elections with men and women voters and candidates were held in 1999 Central
Municipal Council. The first legislative election, for two thirds of the legislative council's 45 seats,
were planned for 2016 after previously being postponed in 2013.[59] In June 2016 they were
effectively postponed to at least 2019.[60] The first general election of members of the Consultative
Assembly was held in 2021.[38]
Suffrage is currently limited to municipal elections and two thirds of the seats in the legislative
council, with the voting age set at 18. Expatriate residents are excluded, as are the vast number
of residents who are prevented from applying for citizenship. The elected Municipal Council has
no executive powers but may offer advice to the Minister. [61][62]
Political parties are banned by law.

Administrative divisions[edit]
See also: Municipalities of Qatar

There are 8 municipalities (baladiyat (plural), baladiyah (singular)) of Qatar; Ad Dawhah, Al

Daayen, Al Khor, Al Wakrah, Al Rayyan, Al-Shahaniya, Al Shamal, and Umm Salal. Each
municipality assumes administrative responsibilities over zones (cities and districts) within their
boundaries.[63][61]

Criticism[edit]
Qatar's government has been criticized for arresting and threatening anyone who dares to speak
out. [64][65] In the report published by the Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor on 13th September
2020, it was declared that Article 19 in the International Declaration of Human Rights stipulates
that “everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to
hold opinions without interference.” Similarly, Article 47 in the Constitution of Qatar stipulates that
freedom of expression is guaranteed in accordance with the conditions and circumstances set
forth in law.

Foreign relations[edit]
Main article: Foreign relations of Qatar

Qatar’s core foreign policy objective according to The Middle East Journal is “state survival” and
the “desire for international prestige”. Qatar became notable in international politics; and a key
figure in the Arab affairs within two decades of its independent foreign policy. [67] It has an "open-
door" foreign policy where it maintain ties to all parties and regional players in the region,
[68]
 including with organizations such as Taliban and Hamas.[69]
Its position in the Middle East and close links with terrorist groups is seen as a great asset to
western intelligence community and diplomatic relations. [70] Qatar has also cultivated close foreign
relationships with Western powers, particularly the United States and the United Kingdom. Al
Udeid Air Base hosts American and British air forces.[71]
On October 10, 2005, for the first time, Qatar was elected to a two-year term on the UN Security
Council for 2006–2007.
According to BBC, in April 2006 Qatar announced that it will give US$50 million (£28 million) to
the new Hamas-led Palestinian government.
In May 2006, Qatar pledged more than $100 million to Hurricane Katrina relief to colleges and
universities in Louisiana affected by the hurricane. Some of this money was also distributed to
families looking to repair damaged homes by Neighborhood Housing Services of New Orleans,
Inc.
With the advent of the Arab Spring in 2011, Qatar has been seen as meddling in the affairs of
other Arab countries, supporting insurgents. This policy has led to rebukes by neighboring Gulf
states such as Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates.,[72] who also support radical
groups and insurgents all over the Middle East. Qatar joined NATO operations in Libya and
reportedly armed Libyan opposition groups.[73] It also became a major provider of money and
support for rebel groups in the Syrian civil war.[74] With close ties to the Muslim Brotherhood.
Some nations have criticized Qatar for supporting rebel organizations in Syria, particularly the al-
Nusra Front, an al-Qaeda affiliate there. [75] The Public Policy and Democracy studies research
think tank drafted out an article according to which Qatar aligned with the United States against
the Assad regime. The country also backed attempts to mediate a conflict-ending political
transition in Syria. Furthermore Qatar, Russia, and Turkey began another track of negotiations
on Syria’s peace process in March 2021. [76][77]
The government and royal family of Qatar funds the Al Jazeera television network. The Emir of
Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Khalfia provided a loan of QAR 500 million (USD 137 million) to start
the channel.[78] The network has been accused of being biased and taking an active role in the
affairs of other countries specifically during the Arab Spring in 2011.[79] Numerous countries
have complained about allegedly biased reporting in support of Qatar policy. On 11 January
2015,The Week published a report in which,Al jazeera network was revealed to be non biased
and non terrorist network.[80]
Most of the developed countries (plus Brunei and Indonesia) are exempt from visa requirements.
Citizens of exempted countries can also request a joint visa that allows them to travel to Oman
as well.[81]
Qatar is member of ABEDA, AFESD, AL, AMF, ESCWA, FAO, G-
77, GCC, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDB, IFAD, IFRCS, IHO (pending
member), ILO, IMF, International Maritime
Organization, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, NAM, OAPEC, OIC, O
PCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, and WTO.
Qatar may suffer significant geopolitical losses if there is a global transition to renewable energy.
It is ranked 152 out of 156 countries in the index of Geopolitical Gains and Losses after energy
transition (GeGaLo).[82]
Qatar
Area 4,415 square mi (11,437 square km)
Population 2.172 million 2014
Capital Doha
Highest Point Qurayn Abu al Bawl 338 ft (103 m)
Lowest Point 0 m
GDP $210.1 billion 2014
Primary Natural Resources petroleum, natural gas, fish.
QATAR IS LOCATED in the MIDDLE EAST; it is a peninsula projecting into the PERSIAN
GULF and bordered in the south by SAUDI ARABIA. Qatar has been inhabited for
millennia but never stood out as a commercial or cultural center in ancient times. The
peninsula shared the barren dry nature of the great Arabian deserts to the south and
drew the nomads of the interior and the coastal settlers of the Persian Gulf. The Qatar
coast held oyster banks that provided the classic gulf item of trade, pearls. This was to
be Qatar's main source of wealth for centuries and led to the growth of Doha (Arabic for
“port”) as the main settlement on the peninsula.

Qatar enters historical record in the early 19th century when the Al Khalifa (ruling family
of BAHRAIN) domination was challenged by the tribal leaders on the peninsula. Britain
was controlling the Persian Gulf at this time as a means of protecting its commercial
interests in the INDIAN OCEAN. Attack of the Al Khalifa on Doha and the Qatari
counterattack brought the British into the fray which was settled by treaty in 1868.
This marked the first time Qatar was widely recognized as separate from Bahrain and
the Al Khalifa family. The Al Thani family emerged as the ruling group in Qatar and
learned to play the British and the encroaching Ottoman Turks off of one another.
In 1916, the Al Thani Sheikh signed a treaty with the British similar to those entered into
by other Persian Gulf emirates and became a British protectorate. A 1934 treaty granted
more extensive British protection and opened the way for exploration and exploitation of
Qatar's petroleum potential. Across the Persian Gulf, World War II created a hiatus on
oil development. In 1949 the beginning flow of oil wealth marked a turning point for
Qatar. Slowly, development spread, often impeded by the age-old problems of strife
within the Al Thani family and among the leading tribal groups of Qatar.
As Britain prepared to withdraw their protection form the Gulf states in a general
reduction of military commitments east of Suez, Qatar considered joining into a coalition
of emirate states. When their old nemesis Bahrain and the Al Kalifa family chose
independence, so too did Qatar on September 3, 1971. Qatar participated in the
liberation of Kuwait and was supportive of the United Nations sanctions
against Iraq in the 1990s. The current (2005) emir deposed his father in 1995 and
rapidly increased the pace of national development, as well as opened Qatar to the
buildup of U.S. military forces.
The economy centers upon the petroleum sector where oil reserves have diminished.
However, Qatar has the third-largest proven natural gas reserves in the world and is
rapidly developing and improving extraction and exporting capabilities. Qatar is seeking
to replace expatriate workers with nationals by an aggressive program of education and
training. Most Qartaris, including the ruling family are followers of the Sunni branch
of ISLAM. Islam is the official religion of the state and the people continue to be
traditional in dress and custom.

Geography of Qatar

Geography of Qatar

Continent Asia

Region Middle East

Coordinates 25.30°N 51.15°E

Area Ranked 164th

  • Total 11,571 km2 (4,468 sq mi)

 • Land 100%

 • Water 0%

Coastline 563 km (350 mi)

Borders Saudi Arabia: 60 km (37 mi)

Highest point Qurayn Abu al Bawl,

103 m (338 ft)

Lowest point Persian Gulf,

0 m (0 ft)

Climate arid; mild, pleasant winters; very hot, humid summers

Terrain mostly flat and barren desert covered with loose sand and gravel

Natural resources petroleum, natural gas, fish

Natural hazards haze, dust storms, sandstorms common

Environmental issues limited natural freshwater resources are increasing dependence on large-scale

desalination facilities

Exclusive economic 31,590 km2 (12,197 sq mi)

zone

Qatar is a peninsula in the east of Arabia, bordering the Persian Gulf and Saudi

Arabia, in a strategic location near major petroleum deposits. The state
of Qatar occupies 11,437 km2 (4,416 sq mi) on a peninsula that extends
approximately to 160 km (99 mi) north into the Persian Gulf from the Arabian
Peninsula.[1]
Varying in width between 55 and 90 km (34 and 56 mi), the land is mainly flat (the
highest point is 103 m (338 ft)) and rocky.[1] Notable features include coastal salt
pans, elevated limestone formations (the Dukhan anticline) along the west coast
under which lies the Dukhan oil field, and massive sand dunes surrounding Khawr al
Udayd, an inlet of the Persian Gulf in the southeast known to local English speakers
as the Inland Sea.[
General topography[edit]
The peninsula of Qatar is low-lying. Its shape is the surface expression of the Qatar Arch, one of
the largest structural characteristics of the Arabian Plate.[2] It is enveloped by loose sand and
pebbles broken off the outcropping limestone. Smooth plains are found in the east, where the
surface is covered by fine-grained dust. The south and south-west portion of the peninsula
mainly comprises sand dunes and salt flats.[3] Hill ranges (called 'jebels') can be found in western
Qatar near the Dukhan area and at Jebel Fuwayrit on the northeast coast.[4] Jebel Nakhsh is a
notable mountain ridge south of Dukhan and contains substantial deposits of gypsum.[5]
The coastline, which is roughly 700km²,[6] is emergent and gently slopes toward the sea. Many
flat, low-lying offshore islands are located near the coast and are accompanied by coral reefs.
[3]
 As a result of salt water coming into contact with the low-lying land, many salt flats (known
locally as sabkhas) have formed near the coast.[3] The coastline from Mesaieed to Khawr al
Udayd is particularly rich in sabkhas. Inland sabkhas can be found in western in Qatar near
Dukhan and Sawda Natheel.[6]
A sabkha (salt-flat) ecosystem known as the Dukhan Sabkha is found in the northern section of
the Dukhan region in western Qatar. This sabkha, considered the largest inland sabkha in
the Persian Gulf, runs for approximately 20 km, occupies an area of 73 km², has a width of 2 to 4
km and a depth of between 6 and 7 meters.[7] It also accommodates the lowest point of Qatar, at
six meters below sea level.[6] Studies suggest that the sabkha is fed by seawater from the Bay of
Zekreet, north by approximately 3 km.[8]

World Cup 2022: How has Qatar treated

foreign workers?
Qatar has deported several foreign labourers who protested about unpaid wages.
The country is hosting the football World Cup finals this winter, and has employed
thousands of foreign workers to build new hotels and facilities.
Human rights groups have repeatedly complained about the bad treatment of foreign
labourers in Qatar, and the number who have died there.
How many foreign workers are working on World Cup projects?
Qatar is building seven stadiums for the World Cup finals, a new airport, a new metro
system, a series of new roads and about 100 new hotels.
An entire new city is being built around the stadium which will host the final match.
Qatar's government says that 30,000 foreign labourers have been hired just to build
the stadiums. Most come from Bangladesh, India, Nepal and the Philippines.
Recently, 60 labourers demonstrated outside the headquarters of the Al Bandary
International Group in the capital, Doha, complaining about unpaid wages.
Some workers said they hadn't been paid for seven weeks.

Al Bandary is building dozens of new hotels, malls and residences in Qatar.

A number of protesters were detained and some were deported, although it's not known
how many.
The government said those who were deported had "breached security laws".
It added that it was already investigating the company for the late payment of wages.

How are foreign workers treated?

Ever since Qatar won the rights to host the World Cup, in 2010, human rights groups
have criticised its treatment of foreign workers.
In 2016, Amnesty International accused Qatari companies of using forced labour.
It said many workers were living in squalid accommodation, were forced to pay huge
recruitment fees and had had wages withheld and their passports confiscated.

Since 2017, the government has introduced measures to protect foreign labourers
from working in very hot weather, limit their working hours, and improve conditions in
workers' camps.
However, in a 2021 report, campaign group Human Rights Watch said that foreign
workers were still suffering from "punitive and illegal wage deductions", and faced
"months of unpaid wages for long hours of gruelling work".
Qatari companies used to operate a system called "kafala", under which they
sponsored foreign workers to come to the country but then prevented them from
leaving their jobs.
Under pressure from groups such as the International Labour Organisation (ILO),
Qatar's government abolished "kafala", but Amnesty International says companies
still put pressure on labourers to stop them switching employers.
It argues this effectively means forced labour still exists in Qatar.

Top 5 advantages of living in Qatar

Qatar became an independent state on September 3, 1971. Ever since then, the
world has seen this tiny country transform from a desert into a metropolitan hub of
the Middle East. Its economy continues to grow at an impressive rate and continues
to provide a high standard of living for its people.

Foreign workers and their families amount to around 88% of Qatar's population.
There are over two million migrant workers in Qatar -- many from countries including
India, Nepal, and the Philippines. What are the things that attract thousands of
expatriates to move to Qatar annually? The Iloveqatar.net (ILQ) team asked around
and there were a lot of great answers. But the following things took the top spot in
making Qatar an amazing place to work and live.

1. Healthcare system
Qatar has a number of public and private hospitals. Hamad Medical Corporation is
the country’s premier non-profit health care provider. It was established in 1979 and
caters to more than a million people in outpatient alone, annually. Operating a total
of eight hospitals, HMC is committed to providing the safest, most effective, and
most compassionate care to patients. The government hospital provides around 90%
of the acute care in the country according to this report issued by HMC.

All residents are eligible for HMC services by signing up for a health card and paying
a mere QR 100 annually. For more information, click here. Private health insurance
is also available, provided by the employer, or can be purchased by an individual.

In 2018, Sidra Medicine officially opened its ultramodern facility, providing world-
class healthcare services for women, children and young people in Qatar and the
region. A member of Qatar Foundation, Sidra Medicine represents the vision of Her
Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser who serves as its Chairperson.

2. Tax-Free Salary
In Doha, there is no tax on personal per capita income meaning workers can take
home their salaries without any tax deductions. For companies and businesses, the
rate of tax is 10% of a company’s Total State Income, paid annually.

In 2018 new tax regulations were introduced. The law included a 100% tax on
tobacco and its derivative products and all energy drinks, along with a 50% tax on all
sugary drinks. This was a great initiative to reduce the consumption of these harmful
products.

Qatar was expected to implement VAT from the start of 2019 but it deferred this
decision. You can read more about it here.

3. Low crime rate

Qatar has one of the lowest crime rates in the world. This year, 2021, it was named
the third safest country in the world by Global Finance magazine. Global Peace
Index 2021 ranked Qatar as the most peaceful nation in the MENA region. Peace,
safety, and security are the biggest reasons why many foreign workers and their
families prefer working and living in Qatar.
4. Exposure to a multicultural
community
There are over 100 nationalities living in Doha. It is home to various expat
communities exposing everyone to their culture, traditions, and most importantly,
cuisine. Ooh, the joy that Chicken Tikka Masala and baklava bring!

When you live in a multi-cultural society, you meet different people and experience
their culture. You get to see that everyone is as human as you are. Politics, laws,
and media tend to divide, but when you make friends of different nationalities, you
learn about the similarities. You get to know that Harees is very similar to the
Kashmiri origin Hareesa that you grew up eating. And before you know it, you are
saying, 'Yallah Habibi' like Arabic is your mother tongue.

5. World-class education
Qatar is home to some of the best universities in the world. H.H. Sheikha
Moza bint Nasser founded Education City under Qatar Foundation in 1995
which constitutes 9 world-renowned universities including Weill Cornell; an
Ivy League university. Qatar University ranks among 350 top universities
worldwide. Qatar Foundation also provides financial aid to deserving
students.

Qatar also has an excellent school system in place, from local independent
schools to international private schools as well as schools that cater to
specific communities like Indians, Filipinos, Pakistanis, Sri Lankans, etc.
There are more than 300 private schools operating in the country and their
fees vary depending on the school.

Written by Sumaica Asad and updated by Marivie Alabanza.

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