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disciplinary purposes, and up to 50% of workers’ wages per month to settle debts or loans
to the employer. The law does not prohibit employers from deducting workers’ wages to
cover visa fees, food costs, or other expenses. However, it does require employers to pay
workers every month, or every two weeks, depending on their employment contracts. 138
Human Rights Watch found that many workers enjoyed no enforcement of even those
protections provided by law. Sharif A., a construction company owner in Qatar, said,
“There are a lot of laws, but nobody follows up. It’s the luck of the draw; you never know
what you are heading into here.” 139 “Our company doesn’t follow any rules,” said Rajan J.,
a Nepali worker. “Qatar makes rules, but they don’t follow.” 140
Low Wages, Underpayment, and Nonpayment of Wages
Low wages, nonpayment, and underpayment of wages topped the list of complaints
reported by migrant construction workers in Qatar. One worker interviewed by Human
Rights Watch said he made only 590 riyals ($US162) per month, or $6.75 per day, while the
majority of unskilled construction workers interviewed said they earned between 700 and
1000 riyals (US$192 to 275) per month, or US$8 to 11 per day (including a food allowance
that some companies pay workers to cover their food expenses). 141 Most worked between
nine and eleven hours per day, and spent up to four additional hours in transit to and from
their worksites.
Many workers interviewed by Human Rights Watch said that, though food prices and other
expenses had increased dramatically over the course of their employment, their salaries
had remained the same or had failed to keep up with inflation. “The basic salary at my
company is 600 riyals [US$165] whether workers have been there for two years or ten
years,” said Rajan J., a Nepali construction worker. “All [of the] laborers are struggling … the
salary is low, then we have to cover expenses. Some people get only 500 riyals [US$137].”
The average GDP per capita for Qatari nationals is $88,222 per year, or $7,352 per month,
and in September, the government announced wage increases of between 60 and 120
138 Law No.14 of 2004, art. 66, states that “the wages of the workers employed on an annual or monthly basis shall be paid
at least once in every month. The wages of all other workers shall be paid once at least every two weeks.”
139 Human Rights Watch interview with Sharif A., Doha Seif Hotel, May 30, 2011.
140 Human Rights Watch interview with Rajan J., Doha Industrial Area, May 27, 2011.
141 Human Rights Watch interview with Baburam G., Doha Industrial Area, May 26, 2011.
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