Filipino workers in Qatar can expect a much caring and safer working environment after a new law that establishes workers’ fund has been approved by the Qatar government.
Labor Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III said this after receiving a report from DOLE International Labor Affairs Bureau (ILAB) Director Alice Q. Visperas about the issuance of the worker’s support and insurance fund law by Qatar’s highest official, Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, of the said law.
“We welcome the issuance of Law No.17 series of 2018, by the Amir, as this will guarantee the protection of rights and ensure the welfare of Filipino domestic workers in the Arab state,” said Bello.
The new law, which establishes a fund to be named “Worker’s Support and Insurance Fund”, aims to ensure and provide care for both the private sector and domestic workers in Qatar, guarantee their rights, and provide them with a healthy and safe working environment.
As provided for in the law, the fund will be used for payment of worker’s benefits as determined by dispute resolution committees; in the facilitation of worker’s return to his or her home country; payment of financial benefits at the end of service contracts, and in providing decent housing and other amenities.
Around 230,000 Filipinos in Qatar, who are mostly employed as domestic helpers, based on the DOLE’s January to June 2018 Report to Congress, are expected to benefit from the new law.