How Do We Fix the Problem in Qatar?
Just like many other Americans, every four years I watch a few soccer matches to cheer on the United States. For me, I have never thought much about what goes in to preparing these cities for arguably the largest sporting competition in the world. That is, until I watched multiple news stories and documentaries on the appalling conditions in Qatar in preparation for the 2022 World Cup.
Seven years away, the mass building of stadiums and infrastructure has already begun in Qatar on a large scale. Over 1.5 million migrant workers have entered the country. Over 400,000 of which come from Nepal. (The Guardian). While these workers primarily came to the Gulf country on their own, if they wish to go back to their country it is up to their employer whether or not he gives them their passport back. This system is known as kafala and has been compared to slavery on many occasions. When one must surrender their freedom, in this case their passport which permits them to leave one country and enter their own, this person can be called nothing other than a slave worker.
Tek Bahadur Gurung, Nepal’s labour minister, said: “After the earthquake of 25 April, we requested all companies in Qatar to give their Nepalese workers special leave and pay for their air fare home. While workers in some sectors of the economy have been given this, those on World Cup construction sites are not being allowed to leave because of the pressure to complete projects on time. They have lost relatives and their homes and are enduring very difficult conditions in Qatar. This is adding to their suffering.” (The Guardian)
The massive earthquake that struck Nepal in April was horrific. Many of us remember the horrific images of destroyed villages and were shocked by the reported 8,000 death toll. Now imagine having family there. Every fiber of your being would wish to go back and help them in this time of crisis but you are forced to stay in a foreign country, and work 10 hour shifts for $50 a week. That is cruel and unusual punishment that should not be tolerated.
The Nepal Government finds itself in a very tricky situation. While obviously they want their 400,000 emigrant workers to return and be with their families, their economy relies heavily on the money these workers send home. Not only does this money help throughout the economy but after a natural disaster when much funding is needed to rebuild this money is even more important.
The employers will justify their actions and say that they pay the employees well and provide them with food and housing while they are working for them. Multiple journalists have exposed this to be a bold lie. Trapped living with 299 other men sharing 20 rooms, only a few toilets (which happen to be located right next to food preparation and cleaning areas), there is no other way to describe what is occurring in Qatar today as modern day slavery.