FIFA World Cup 2022: Qatar Migrant Workers Exploited And Trapped

Ahead of the World Cup, Qatar is in the limelight for its violation of migrant workers. Several workers who have built the World Cup‘s infrastructure have suffered abuse in Qatar. The workers working on projects linked to the 2022 FIFA World Cup have suffered systematic human rights abuses.

Exploitation of workers

Recently, Qatar World Cup organizers also admitted that workers were exploited. Reportedly, more than 24,000 workers suffered human rights abuses in Qatar. This information was published by a campaign group.

Subsequently, an official at the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre asked FIFA to ensure that labour reforms are implemented in Qatar. The Business & Human Rights Resource Centre has been tracking human rights abuses in Qatar since 2016.

Non-payment of salaries

Reportedly, 100 workers who built the Al Bayt Stadium were not paid for up to seven months. The majority of abuse cases were related to non-payment of salaries. Several reports also claimed that working conditions led to the death of some workers.

Qatari law and regulations limit weekly working hours to a 60-hour maximum, including overtime. Despite this, workers used to work more than 60 hours a week.

Organizations urge FIFA to act against the abuse of workers

Amnesty International also said that security guards were forced to work in conditions amounting to forced labour. The security guards worked 12 hours a day, seven days a week. They did not get a day off for months or even years.

Amnesty also urged FIFA to act over the alleged abuse of security workers in Qatar. Amnesty said in its report, “FIFA must focus on doing more to prevent abuses.”

FIFA World Cup sponsors’ silence

Top brands like Adidas, Coca-Cola,  Hyundai, Wanda Group, and Qatar Airways are sponsors of FIFA World Cup 2022. Reportedly, sponsors of Belgium and Dutch national teams will avoid the FIFA World Cup due to concerns over host country Qatar's record on human rights.

Several organizations are questioning the silence of big sponsors over human rights abuse of workers. They are demanding those sponsors back out from the event.