22 June 2016
DOHA: Qatar has brought most of the workers under Wage Protection System (WPS). Minister of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs H E Dr Issa bin Saad Al Jafali Al Nuaimi said yesterday that around 1.5 million workers, of the total 1.7 million in Qatar, have been covered under WPS so far.
The system, launched in November last year, aims to ensure that all workers receive their salaries on time and no expatriate worker is left without a monthly income, and no illegal deductions from his wages are made.
In a meeting with businessmen at a seminar organised by Qatar Chamber, he said that the Ministry is working on a new mechanism to speed up the issuance of work visa for companies. This new plan will be shared with Qatar Chamber to get the feedback from the business community.
The Minister urged business owners to update the data of their workers and provide the ministry with the latest details in this regard. It would enable the ministry to know the size of each company and, consequently, facilitate the issuance of visas if the companies in question need more workers.
He said Qatar is keen to develop its legislative and legal infrastructure in line with the international conventions and agreement which Qatar has signed to further improve condition of workers. Country's leadership gives high priority to implement the highest level of security and occupational safety of workers whether in a worksite or in their residential complexes, he added.
Responding to the complaints that companies are being suspended for some minor errors, he said that only the erring companies are penalised mostly for not complying to WPS. He said the Ministry is keen to meet businessmen to get their feedback, suggestions.
Businessmen suggested that a separate court should be set up for labourers and work related issues as it will speed up the process of resolution of issues between labourers and employers.
Speaking at the event, the minister said the ministry makes legislations or decisions to support the country's economy. He stressed that the participation of the business owners regarding these decisions and legislations are crucial.
The minister added that the ministry is working towards the growth of investment and success of businessmen, because, he added, at the end of the day it serves the country's internal and external interests.
He said the country is keen to create the appropriate infrastructure for investment and trade. The ministry is doing its best to get away from the complications that would harm the economy, and at the same time seeks to avoid international criticism on some points that can be easily avoided in the event of compliance with laws and regulations, he added.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani, Chairman, Qatar Chamber said the chamber is working on to approach all government institutions to solve all obstacles faced by private firms.
DOHA: Qatar has brought most of the workers under Wage Protection System (WPS). Minister of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs H E Dr Issa bin Saad Al Jafali Al Nuaimi said yesterday that around 1.5 million workers, of the total 1.7 million in Qatar, have been covered under WPS so far.
The system, launched in November last year, aims to ensure that all workers receive their salaries on time and no expatriate worker is left without a monthly income, and no illegal deductions from his wages are made.
In a meeting with businessmen at a seminar organised by Qatar Chamber, he said that the Ministry is working on a new mechanism to speed up the issuance of work visa for companies. This new plan will be shared with Qatar Chamber to get the feedback from the business community.
The Minister urged business owners to update the data of their workers and provide the ministry with the latest details in this regard. It would enable the ministry to know the size of each company and, consequently, facilitate the issuance of visas if the companies in question need more workers.
He said Qatar is keen to develop its legislative and legal infrastructure in line with the international conventions and agreement which Qatar has signed to further improve condition of workers. Country's leadership gives high priority to implement the highest level of security and occupational safety of workers whether in a worksite or in their residential complexes, he added.
Responding to the complaints that companies are being suspended for some minor errors, he said that only the erring companies are penalised mostly for not complying to WPS. He said the Ministry is keen to meet businessmen to get their feedback, suggestions.
Businessmen suggested that a separate court should be set up for labourers and work related issues as it will speed up the process of resolution of issues between labourers and employers.
Speaking at the event, the minister said the ministry makes legislations or decisions to support the country's economy. He stressed that the participation of the business owners regarding these decisions and legislations are crucial.
The minister added that the ministry is working towards the growth of investment and success of businessmen, because, he added, at the end of the day it serves the country's internal and external interests.
He said the country is keen to create the appropriate infrastructure for investment and trade. The ministry is doing its best to get away from the complications that would harm the economy, and at the same time seeks to avoid international criticism on some points that can be easily avoided in the event of compliance with laws and regulations, he added.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani, Chairman, Qatar Chamber said the chamber is working on to approach all government institutions to solve all obstacles faced by private firms.
© The Peninsula 2016