Human Rights Watch says migrant workers in Qatar are getting stiffed on wages because clients, including government bodies, do not pay contractors on time. Their investigation found payment delays cascading down the supply chain, with workers waiting up to a year for salaries legally due in forty-five days.
The group blames a structural flaw called the pay when paid model, where subcontractors only pay laborers after they themselves get paid. This violates international labor conventions Qatar has signed, potentially creating conditions of forced labor. Enforcement of laws allowing workers to claim wages directly from the top client remains weak.
Researchers state these powerful clients operate with impunity, leaving smaller businesses and their employees to bear the financial crisis. They call for extending legal liability up the chain and for authorities to actually enforce existing wage protections. This systemic payment failure contradicts UN principles on business and human rights, which hold companies responsible for impacts throughout their relationships.
The group blames a structural flaw called the pay when paid model, where subcontractors only pay laborers after they themselves get paid. This violates international labor conventions Qatar has signed, potentially creating conditions of forced labor. Enforcement of laws allowing workers to claim wages directly from the top client remains weak.
Researchers state these powerful clients operate with impunity, leaving smaller businesses and their employees to bear the financial crisis. They call for extending legal liability up the chain and for authorities to actually enforce existing wage protections. This systemic payment failure contradicts UN principles on business and human rights, which hold companies responsible for impacts throughout their relationships.
