Doha: NHRC and IOM Host High-Level Dialogue Reaffirming Justice and Protection for Domestic Workers

M Ashraf Siddiqui

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16/06/2025

Doha, 16 June 2025

The National Human Rights Committee (NHRC), in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), held a high-level discussion and roundtable at the Westin Doha Hotel to mark International Domestic Workers' Day under the theme 'Advancing Access to Justice for Domestic Workers: Enhancing Legal Support and Strengthening Accountability Mechanisms'.

The event brought together representatives from the Ministries of Labor and Interior, legal and human rights experts, and civil society advocates. It served as a platform to assess progress, address challenges, and strengthen mechanisms for protecting the rights of domestic workers.

Dr. Mohammed bin Saif Al-Kuwari, Vice-Chairman of the NHRC, emphasized the significance of this occasion in raising awareness and reinforcing human rights commitments. He noted that domestic workers—numbering over 168,000 and comprising 8.39% of Qatar’s non-Qatari workforce—play an essential role in the nation’s economic and social fabric.

Dr. Al-Kuwari reiterated that safeguarding the rights of domestic workers aligns with Qatar’s constitutional principles of justice, equality, and dignity. He highlighted Qatar’s advancements, including the 2017 Domestic Workers Law, while stressing the importance of pre-departure education and awareness for workers in their home countries. He also praised Qatar’s visa centers abroad and called for expanding them to more labor-sending nations.

On the sidelines of the event, talking exclusively with www.asiantelegraphqatar.com, Dr Mohammed bin Saif AlKuwairi, Deputy Chairman, National Human Rights Committee of Qatar highlighted the significance of the event and said that the event holds significant importance in promoting the rights and well-being of domestic workers in Qatar. As integral members of many Qatari households, domestic workers receive vital services and support, and this event serves as a platform for open dialogue.

He added that the event features technical papers and discussions addressing challenges faced by domestic workers, including long working hours and limited access to grievance mechanisms due to the private nature of household employment.

He said that participants, including representatives from the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC), Ministry of Labour, Ministry of Interior, and international organizations such as the ILO and IOM, are engaging face-to-face with workers to understand their concerns and suggestions.

He told that translated legislation handbooks, now available in 11 languages, are being distributed to help workers understand their rights and duties. The initiative reflects ongoing labour reforms and highlights Qatar’s efforts to ensure accessibility, transparency, and inclusivity in protecting domestic workers' rights.

Roula Hamati, representing the IOM in Qatar, recognized this event as the first joint initiative between IOM and NHRC. She commended the country’s progress, particularly labor reforms introduced since 2020, such as changes to employer transfer rights, freedom of movement, and the minimum wage. While these have significantly improved conditions for many, she acknowledged persistent challenges, including language barriers, limited access to legal recourse, and complex legal procedures.

Three themed sessions enriched the event. The first explored legal and institutional frameworks with contributions from NHRC’s Nasser Marzouq Sultan Al-Marri, Captain Mohammed Nasser Al-Jaber of the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Lena Moller from Qatar University, and Margaret Kabue from Kenya. Discussions addressed rights enforcement, access to legal aid, and international best practices.

The second session focused on accountability and coordination to improve legal support, while the final session synthesized key outcomes and affirmed stakeholders’ commitments to actionable next steps.

Al-Marri detailed NHRC’s role in ensuring justice through strategic initiatives guided by the Paris Principles and the NHRC’s 2024–2030 plan. He noted that NHRC handled 1,853 complaints in 2024, including many from domestic workers. Services include multilingual hotlines, field monitoring, legal representation, and financial assistance for vulnerable individuals.

Captain Al-Jaber highlighted the humanitarian nature of domestic work and outlined laws ensuring worker protections, such as Law No. 15 of 2017 and Law No. 21 of 2015. These prohibit practices like passport confiscation, regulate residency procedures, and support voluntary return in fair conditions.

In closing, both NHRC and IOM emphasized the importance of shared responsibility among all stakeholders in promoting justice and ensuring that domestic workers in Qatar are treated with dignity, fairness, and respect.

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