The Government of Qatar has said that it considers the welfare of its guest workers a top priority and is committed to the ongoing, systematic reform of Qatar’s labour laws.

"Our goal is to create a legacy of improved conditions for workers in Qatar and to set the standard for both labour rights and human rights in the Gulf region. We acknowledge the progress that has been made by the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy," said a government statement responding to the Amnesty International report.

The statement which was carried by the Qatari news agency, further stated, "To that end, we are well aware that our efforts are a work-in-progress, and we welcome the efforts Amnesty and other NGOs are making to help us identify areas for further improvement."

"Though many of the points raised by Amnesty have already been addressed through recent legislative changes, we are concerned by a number of allegations contained within the report."

"The Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs intends to investigate the contractors named in the report," the statement concluded.

Source:WAM