How to sponsor a child in qatar

Working in Qatar - Preceptor Recruitment

Health

Before coming to Qatar, visit the Health section of our Travel Advice pages.

Generally, emergency treatment in government hospitals is free. Any follow up treatment may be charged. If you use a private hospital, make sure you have comprehensive medical insurance or the funds to pay for it.

For access to the government healthcare system, which you may need to use even with private healthcare, residents must apply for a government health card. Cards can be purchased or renewed at clinics or online at the official portal of the Qatar Government.

For a list of government hospitals and clinics, see the Qatar Supreme Council of Health portal.

Education

Independent schools are state-funded schools with the autonomy to recruit teachers and staff, and establish their own methods of teaching. The amount of funding allocated to each independent school depends on the number of teachers and students. Independent schools are free for Qatari citizens. Non-Qatari enrolments are subject to individual school policy.

Private schools operate either as commercial establishments or non-profit community schools sponsored by their embassies. Tuition may vary significantly from school to school. Private Schools are free to set their own curriculum. Many foreign schools base their curriculum on the standards of their home countries. However, all schools are required to meet the standards of the Qatar National School Accreditation system, as monitored by the Supreme Education Council’s Evaluation Institute.

For information about education and a list of schools in Qatar, visit the Education and Research section of the official portal of the Qatar Government.

Employment and recognised qualifications

For information on employment in Qatar, please visit the employment and workplace section of the official portal of the Qatar Government.

For recognition of UK educational qualifications and details of the legalisation process for Qatar please see the Qatar FCO website. In the publications section you find detailed instructions on how to prepare your documents for use in Qatar.

Entry and residence requirements

For information on entry requirements, visit our Travel Advice pages.

Exit visa system

All residents except wives and children under the sponsorship of their family members are required to obtain an exit permit to leave Qatar. The sponsor is responsible for arranging the exit permit. Authorised users may complete the procedure online, through an Ministry of Interior self-service machine, or in person through:

Ministry of Interior Passports and Airport Security Department
Immigration offices in Hamad Medical Corporation, Al Khor, Al Dayin, Masaimeer, Al Shahaniya, Q-Post, Doha Industrial Area, Al Shamal, Al Wakrah, Souq Waqif, Umm Salal and Dukhan

There are two types of exit permits – multiple and single. A single exit permit is valid on a single exit and a multiple exit permit is valid for one year. Exit permits can be processed on line by the sponsor.

The British Embassy Doha cannot issue exit permits for British passport holders under any circumstances, this must be done through the employer and the Ministry of Interior.

Work Residence Permit

Expatriate workers are required to have a residence permit in order to live and work in Qatar.

The permit is granted to expatriates who hold employment contracts in Qatar. It is usually the responsibility of the sponsor to handle all paperwork involved in obtaining the residence permit. Applicants may not leave the country during the period of visa-to-permit conversion.

Transfer of employment

Transfer of employment in Qatar requires permission of the previous employer, and is subject to approval by the Ministry of Interior. Embassies have no standing in Qatar’s courts, and do not have the right to sponsor visas, or mediate labour or business disputes in Qatar. Although the British embassy can help by directing nationals to gain assistance from the Labour Dispute Department or the Committee for Human Rights, the ultimate responsibility for resolution of dispute lies in legal system of Qatar, and the parties involved. Without the release letter from the employer, the employee will be banned for two years from entering Qatar. You may be able to return as a visitor depending on the circumstances of your departure, you will need to check with the Qatari Immigration Authorities. This is best dealt with by your employers but if you wish to contact immigration directly you can go to an immigration office.

Register as working woman

Women who are in Qatar on family sponsorship may register to work in the country without obtaining a separate work permit. Applicants may visit the Ministry of Interior’s Labour Department to complete the application process.

Benefits

The Qatar Government does not provide social welfare benefits to non-Qatari nationals.
Find out what benefits you might be able to get while abroad and how to claim them by visiting Benefits if you’re abroad.

Driving licences and vehicles

All persons driving in Qatar are required to carry a valid driving licence. The Ministry of Interior’s Traffic Department regulates the issuance of licences. The minimum age for learning to drive is 18 years old.

For more information, visit the public services and transportation area of the official portal of the Qatar Government.

Finance

Financial crimes, including fraud, bouncing cheques (including post-dated and ‘security cheques’) and the non-payment of bills (including hotel bills) can often result in imprisonment and/or a fine in Qatar. Bank accounts and other assets may also be frozen. You may also be liable for cheques that have been signed by you on behalf of a company.

If you have unpaid loans or financial commitments you will not be able finish your employment in Qatar and exit the country. Any debt will need to be settled in full before your Residence Permit will be cancelled and your exit permit will be issued.

Residents of Qatar are able to open a local bank account.

There is no income tax on salaries or wages paid in Qatar. For information on corporation tax, contact the Ministry of Economy.

The UK does have a Double Taxation Agreement with Qatar.

For other investment opportunities in Qatar, visit the UKTI website and the Qatar Ministry of Finance website.

Guidance on bringing medication into Qatar

Some prescribed and over the counter medicines may be controlled substances in Qatar. If you need to bring in controlled/prescription medication into Qatar, ensure you carry your official signed and stamped doctor’s prescription or hospital note. To find out how to get a document legalised for use in Qatar, visit Legalisation of UK documents for use in the State of Qatar.

For further information please contact the Qatar Supreme Health Council.

A male expatriate can sponsor certain family members provided that their salary is not less than QR10, 000. The prospective sponsor must have their residence visa in their passport prior to starting the residence procedures for their family members. A male expatriate can sponsor the following family members:

wife
children
stepchildren
dependent parents

A husband who wishes to sponsor his wife will need the following documents:

application form (available from employer / MOI)
passport in which the original entry permit has been stamped.
photographs
original medical clearance certificate.
copy of the husband’s employment contract.
salary certificate from the employer stating the employee’s monthly salary.
marriage certificate (legalised by relevant authority)

If the marriage certificate is British, the Qatari authorities require the marriage certificate to be attested. This should be done first by the Legalisation Office of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and then by the Qatari Embassy in London. The certificate should then be taken to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Qatar.

A father can sponsor unmarried daughters up to any age and sons up until they are 25 years old. The following documents will be required in order to sponsor children:

the same documents as listed under the wife category.
the child’s birth certificate ( legalised by the relevant authority)

If the birth certificate is British, the Qatari authorities require the birth certificate to be attested. This should be done first by the Legalisation Office of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and then by the Qatari Embassy in London. The certificate should then be taken to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Qatar.

If a British child was born in a country other than the UK and the birth was registered at the embassy in that country and a British birth registration certificate was issued, the certificate needs to be attested. This should be done first by the Legalisation Office of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and then by the Qatari Embassy in London. If there was no British birth registration the birth certificate will need to be legalised by the country of origin.

Applications to sponsor stepchildren are considered by the immigration authorities on a case-by-case basis. The authorities may ask for additional or a variation on the following documents:

the same documents listed under the wife category.
if the biological father is deceased, the death certificate of the biological parent.
a No Objection letter from the biological father

This certificate has to be attested at the embassy of the country where the death certificate was issued and then certified by the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It may be required to be translated to Arabic.

If the death certificate was issued in the UK the attestation process should be done by the Legalisation Office of the FCO and then by the Qatari Embassy in London. The certificate should then be taken to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Qatar.

If the biological father is separated from the mother and is in agreement to the child’s move to the Qatar, he should make a declaration before a notary public in the UK. This declaration must state that the father has no objection to his child living Qatar under the sponsorship of the stepfather. This declaration should then be attested by the Legalisation Section of the FCO and then by the Qatar Embassy in London.

If, for whatever reason, a declaration cannot be obtained from the biological father, the Qatari authorities will require evidence that the mother has sole parental responsibility. The Qatari authorities may require a declaration signed by the stepfather undertaking to support the child throughout the family’s residency in the Qatar.

In Qatar, a wife can only sponsor her husband and children if she holds a residence permit for certain professions and her salary is not less than QR10, 000. The same documents listed above will be required. A single mother may sponsor her child with the same documents needed under children. The Qatar authorities may ask for documents similar to those listed under the stepchildren category.

Thinking about visiting or living in Qatar? There are a few things you need to know before you go and while you are here to ensure that either your stay or time living in Qatar is memorable, for all the right reasons. Keep in mind that you are no longer in the UK. Respect the laws and values of the country and your stay should be an extremely enjoyable one.

Traditions

Qatar is built on generations of Islamic traditions. These traditions have been passed down from generation to generation and form the very cornerstone of everyday life for a Qatari family. The Qataris are welcoming people who show tolerance and an open minded approach to visitors in their country and embrace change; but their culture and values should always be respected.

In the last 20 years Doha has gone through a total transformation from small Arab pearl trading port into a modern city with a vision taking it through to 2030. The shopping malls and West Bay are vibrant and you will probably meet many people from many places and cultures, with different values and opinions. The population of Qatar is now over 2 million.

The culture and laws in Qatar are designed to ensure that everyone is respectful of each other regardless of their faith and nationality. Visitors and residents alike should avoid types of improper conduct and behaviour which can otherwise lead to fines, imprisonment and deportation. Alcohol consumption is allowed only by non-Muslims in licensed restaurants, bars, clubs and at home (for residents who have acquired a liquor licence). For those living in Qatar a special licence must be obtained with permission from your employer before purchasing alcohol from the only licensed alcohol store. This licence is only a permit for buying alcohol. It does not give any immunity for alcohol related criminal offences. It is an offence to carry alcohol in your car if you do not hold the liquor licence. If you come to the attention of the police you may be arrested, even though you may have purchased the alcohol legally. You need to be 21 or over in order to drink alcohol legally in Qatar.

Drugs are strictly forbidden, even a residual amount. Consuming or carrying drugs, even if you are transiting through the airport from one country to another, can result in severe penalties. Buying or selling narcotics is considered a serious crime which can result in life-imprisonment or can be punishable by death. If you are using prescribed drugs it is advisable to carry a doctor’s note with you. There is no prescribed list of banned medications for Qatar.

Sexual relationships outside of marriage are illegal, irrespective of any relationship you may have with your partner in the UK or elsewhere. Cohabiting, including in hotels is also illegal. If you become pregnant outside of marriage, both you and your partner face the possibility of imprisonment. There are also legal ramifications when registering the birth with the local authorities. Holding hands for married couples is tolerated but kissing and hugging are considered offences against public decency. Open displays of affection are generally not tolerated.

Dancing is allowed in the privacy of your home or at licensed clubs. But dancing in public is classed as indecent and provocative. Sexual harassment or randomly addressing women in public, or taking their photos without permission, is strictly frowned upon. Offensive language, spitting and aggressive behaviour (including hand gestures) are viewed very seriously and can result in imprisonment and deportation. This includes “road rage”.

Qatar has a zero-tolerance policy towards drinking and driving. You can be charged and imprisoned if you are caught with even the smallest amount of alcohol in your system. Smoking is forbidden inside government areas, offices and shopping malls. There are however many designated areas where smoking is allowed.

Dress code

Qatari’s dress conservatively in traditional dress and can be offended when people dress inappropriately or not in accordance with Islamic values. In public places such as shopping malls, restaurants and parks, you are encouraged to dress appropriately. Clothing should not be transparent, indecently expose parts of the body or display offensive pictures or slogans. Be aware that if you enter one of these areas dressed inappropriately you may be asked to leave. Any form of nudity is strictly forbidden, including topless sunbathing.

Respect for religion

Islamic religious values are greatly respected in the Qatar. Showing any disrespect towards religious beliefs or practices is considered deeply offensive and very likely to result in a heavy fine and/or imprisonment. Other religions are respected and can be followed by the expatriate community.

Learn a few simple facts:

Muslims pray five times a day. You will notice that the Mosques call people to pray through a speaker system. At this time you will also notice public music is turned off as Muslims perform their daily prayers.
be aware that drivers, who are not close to a Mosque, may stop at a convenient lay-by to pray privately.
during the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset. Throughout this month eating, drinking, smoking, playing loud music and dancing in public places during daylight hours are strictly forbidden and punishable by law, including for non-Muslims.
every evening during Ramadan, Muslims celebrate the breaking of their fast with an evening meal called Iftar. You will find many hotels and restaurants throughout Qatar who provide Iftar buffets.

In summary

The vast majority of British expatriates and visitors have a trouble free and enjoyable time while staying or living in Qatar. Foreign and Commonwealth Office research shows that the majority of difficulties that British nationals find themselves in abroad can be avoided. Respecting local laws and customs can help you avoid getting into trouble. Have a great time in Qatar, but make the necessary preparations to ensure you are well-informed and know what is expected of you as a visitor and resident of this country. For further information please visit the Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s Travel Advice. British nationals who are living in Qatar can sign up for the embassy newsletter by sending an e-mail to [email protected]. Those registered with us receive regular newsletters, which include information on changes to laws or procedures and events taking place at the embassy and within the British community.

Leaving Qatar

If you have been resident of Qatar and are leaving for good, you will need to cancel your residency status, close all your accounts (bank and credit cards) and pay off fines or debts. Failure to do so could delay your departure or mean you are marked on the immigration system as an absconder or debtor. This could cause problems in the future, even if you transit.

You can apply to the Ministry of Interior for a Certificate of Good Conduct. For further information visit the Ministry of Interior Website.

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Country overview

In "Bilateral Relations"

Country overview

Official name:

State of Qatar.

Capital:

Doha.

Flag:

Coat of arms:

Official language:

Arab.

Territory:

11,586 km². The state (emirate) is located in Southwest Asia on the Qatari Peninsula (the northeastern part of the Arabian Peninsula). In the south it borders on Saudi Arabia, on all other sides it is washed by the waters of the Persian Gulf. It has a sea border in the northwest with the islands of Bahrain, in the southeast with the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Time:

Time zone UTC+3. There is no time difference between Qatar and Moscow.

Holidays and non-working days:

December 18 is National Day.
Muslim holidays are celebrated according to the lunar calendar.
Days off - Friday and Saturday.

Currency:

Qatari rial (100 dirhams).

Climate:

Tropical marine. In the period from May to September, the average air temperature varies from +40 to +46°C, while the daytime temperature often rises to +50°C, and air humidity, especially in coastal areas, reaches 90%. From December to early March, the average temperature is around +25°C.

Transport links with Russia:

Fourteen direct Qatar Airways flights on the Moscow-Doha route per week.

Entry, stay and transit requirements

Visa issues:

On February 23, 2020, the Agreement between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the State of Qatar on the mutual abolition of visa requirements for citizens of the Russian Federation and citizens of the State of Qatar came into force, according to which citizens of the state of one Party who are holders of diplomatic, service (special) and general civil passports with a period of actions for at least 6 months, with no intention to work, study or reside in the territory of the state of the other Party, are exempted from the requirements for obtaining visas for entry (stay, exit or transit) to the territory of this state. The total period of permitted stay should not exceed 90 days for each period of 180 days. Work or study visas are issued at the request of the employer / educational institution in electronic form on the services portal of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Qatar (https://portal.moi.gov.qa/qatarvisas/). After approval, the electronic visa is sent to the applicant.

Customs control:

Alcohol and cigarettes. The import of alcoholic beverages is prohibited.

When you try to bring alcohol into Qatar, it is confiscated by customs services and returned upon departure from the country.

The import of the following tobacco products and their analogues is prohibited:

chewing tobacco in any form and under any name;
electronic cigarettes and hookah;
Nasvay in any form and under any name;
cigarette vending machines;
advertising materials, materials promoting tobacco smoking, advertisements for the sale of tobacco and tobacco products.

The storage and transportation of these substances entails legal liability.

Weapons and ammunition. The import of weapons, explosives is prohibited.

Currency. Import and export of national and foreign currency is not limited.

Other. Personal luggage is not subject to customs duty. There are no export restrictions.

Items prohibited for import/export:

Prohibited for import:

drugs and narcotic preparations;
pork;
electrical and radio devices operating on a frequency not permitted by international communication standards;
printed publications, audio and video products containing materials that are contrary to the norms of Islam.

Health control:

When entering the country, medical certificates are not required.

Veterinary control:

The import of dogs of fighting breeds is prohibited.

For the import of other animals, it is necessary to obtain a veterinary certificate from the Ministry of Agriculture of the emirate.

Traveler safety issues

Terrorist threats:

Qatar is one of the safest countries in the world.

The crime rate is extremely low.

Even at night, you can not be afraid of any conflict situations on the streets, with the exception of sleeping areas (industrial zone, new areas under construction with a high concentration of laborers - immigrants from Asian countries).

Road traffic

Features:

Traffic in Qatar is on the right.

A feature of the organization of traffic is the presence of a large number of roundabouts, at which the car located on the circle has an advantage.

Primary fuels:

Three types of fuel are used: diesel, gasoline AI-91 and AI-95. The average cost of diesel fuel is 1.65 qat. rials (0.45 US dollars), AI-91 "Premium" or "Silver" - 1.80 qat. rials (0.5 US dollars), AI-95 " Super" or "Gold" - 1.85 qat. rials (0.51 US dollars) per liter.

Availability of parking spaces:

Parking places are located near the airport, large markets, shopping centers.

The average cost for 1 hour of parking is about 2-4 rials, for 1 day - about 100 rials.

Road tax requirement:

There are no road taxes or toll roads in Qatar.

Procedure for acquiring a compulsory insurance policy:

When buying a car, you must purchase a mandatory insurance policy, its cost depends on the choice of insurance plan, car, driving experience, etc.

Ability to use a national Russian driver's license:

The national Russian driver's license is valid only for a week after entering the emirate, an international driver's license is valid for three months after entry.

To obtain a Qatari driver's license, you must pass an exam and undergo an examination by an ophthalmologist.

Persons in management positions, as well as doctors and engineers, do not need to pass the exam.

Vehicle rental:

Vehicle rental can be arranged at the hotel or at the relevant companies (some have offices at the airport).

The cost is from 150 Qatari rials per day.

What to do in case of an accident:

In the event of an accident, you must immediately call the traffic police service at 999, if possible, take a picture of the accident site.

If an accident interferes with the traffic flow and it is possible to rearrange the car, it is necessary to do this, because otherwise the violator will face a fine.

After the arrival of the traffic police officer, a protocol is drawn up, which must be obtained from the head office of the traffic police for transfer to the insurance company.

Local laws and customs

Well established code of conduct:

Qatar is a Muslim country, the basis of legislation is Sharia.

Women in public places should not wear defiant, according to local residents, clothing (skirts above the knees, open back and shoulders are undesirable).

Non-Muslims are not allowed to enter the mosque.

Punishments for various types of crimes:

Punishments:

for violation of public order - detention from 1 to 3 days in a pre-trial detention center with a fine and possible subsequent deportation;
for attempting to import drugs - imprisonment for up to 50 years.

Country Family Law:

When considering a case concerning the rights of former spouses in relation to minor children after the dissolution of the marriage, the court, as a rule, is guided by Sharia norms, according to which the children remain with the father.

Local legislation on the acquisition of property by foreigners in the country:

Local legislation enshrined the right of foreigners to purchase property in Qatar. At the same time, the term of ownership of this property will be 99 years with the possibility of a subsequent extension for another 99 years (only in specially designated areas by the state).

In this case, the foreigner gets the right to apply for a residence permit (the so-called residence visa) in the emirate.

Health

Health hazards, common diseases:

Natural hazards include:

high levels of solar radiation, you can get heat (sun)stroke - you should use sunscreen, go outside in light covering clothes and sunglasses;

There are practically no dangerous wild animals and insects.

Other natural risks include the unlikely risk of contracting typhoid, hepatitis B, and skin diseases.

Typical illnesses include seasonal colds and flu.

Vaccinations:

It is recommended to have a standard set of hepatitis vaccinations.

Health insurance:

Health insurance is optional.

In Qatar, as a rule, all major international health insurance policies are valid.

For advice, you need to contact companies that provide such services.

Medical emergency:

Urgent medical care, including dental care, is provided both in private and public hospitals for adults and children.

On-duty pharmacies are available at large private clinics and public hospitals.

Urgent Veterinary Care:

The provision of urgent veterinary care is possible in private veterinary clinics.

Additional information

Business climate:

Qatar is pursuing a consistent policy to improve the business climate in the country.

To open a company, you must apply to the Ministry of Trade and Business of Qatar with an application for a certificate of commercial registration.

Due to the specifics of local legislation, more than 90% of companies and entrepreneurs in the private sector have a Qatari partner, who formally must be assigned at least 51% of the authorized capital (profit distribution may be disproportionate).

The opening of companies with 100% foreign capital is possible with a special permit from the Ministry of Trade and Business and only in certain sectors (science and technology, industry, education).

Useful phone numbers:

Police, emergency medical assistance, fire department, rescue service - 999.

Other:

Transport. The fare on public transport is from 3 to 5 rials per trip, a taxi within the city is from 30 to 50 rials.

Lunch at a middle class restaurant. Lunch at a restaurant will cost 120-150 rials.

A room in a middle-class hotel. The cost of a room in a middle-class hotel is about 700-1000 rials.

Opening hours of grocery and department stores. Shops are usually open from 08.00 to 22.00.

Availability of mobile communications. Mobile communication is carried out through operators - "Uridu" and "Vodafone", allowing to operate in 3G and 4G formats.

Availability of ATMs and distribution of credit cards. ATMs are located in almost all major shopping centers and hotels, credit cards are widely used.

Mains voltage. Mains voltage 220-240 V.

Distance from the city center of the railway, bus stations and airport, transport links with them:

The distance from the city center to the airport by taxi can be overcome in 15–20 minutes.

International human rights organizations called on the sponsors of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar to compensate for the damage suffered during the construction of the championship facilities

Photo: 2021 SOPA Images

Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International and FairSquare said today that FIFA's corporate partners and sponsors of the 2022 FIFA World Cup should pressure FIFA and the government of Qatar to provide compensation and other reparations to migrant workers and their families for death, injury, theft of their salaries, debts to pay illegal fees for employment during the preparation for the tournament.

The announcement follows the results of a global opinion poll commissioned by Amnesty International. The survey showed that two-thirds of respondents (66%) - and 72% of those who are going to watch at least one match of the championship - believe that FIFA's corporate partners and sponsors should publicly demand that FIFA pay compensation to migrant workers who suffered in preparation for World Cup in Qatar. The survey was conducted by YouGov and included 17,477 adults from 15 countries.

In July, these three human rights organizations approached 14 FIFA corporate partners and sponsors of the World Cup, asking them to urge the football federation to redress the harm caused to migrant workers in connection with the preparation of the World Cup. After that, four of them - AB InBev / Budweiser, Adidas, Coca-Cola and McDonald's - spoke in favor of such financial compensation. Ten other sponsors have not expressed public support and have not responded to written offers to discuss violations that occurred in connection with the tournament. These companies are Visa, Hyundai-Kia, Wanda Group, Qatar Energy, Qatar Airways, Vivo, Hisense, Mengniu, Crypto and Byju's.

"Brands are buying the World Cup sponsorship because they want to be associated with joy, fair competition, and brilliant human achievement on the playing field, not the stolen wages and deaths of the workers that made the World Cup possible," said Human Rights Watch director of global initiatives by Minky Warden. “With just two months left before the first kickoff, sponsors must use their considerable leverage to force FIFA and Qatar to live up to their human rights obligations to workers.”

Brands buy sponsorship of the World Cup because they want to be associated with joy, fair competition, and brilliant human achievement on the playing field, not the stolen wages and deaths of the workers that made the World Cup possible
Minky Worden, Human Rights Watch Director of Global Initiatives

In addition to the sponsors of the 2022 World Cup, national football associations should also use their influence with FIFA and the Qatari authorities by requiring them to publicly pledge to create a compensation fund to compensate for the serious harm caused to migrant workers who made the championship possible. In addition, FIFA should support, including financially, initiatives aimed at helping migrant workers, such as the Center for Migrant Workers, which was recommended by the Construction and Wood Workers' International.

Sponsor responses

Below are the responses from four sponsors who supported workers' compensation.

official sponsor of the 2022 World Cup, released a statement saying: "We support opening access to procedures that would ensure fair redress for injured migrant workers."

released a statement saying that it "supports" the idea that FIFA and the Qatari World Cup Organizing Committee (Supreme Committee for Procurement and Heritage) resolve "all issues related to workers' rights and arising in connection with the admission in the country of the 2022 World Cup, including repairing the damage caused and, if necessary, paying appropriate compensation to workers and their relatives, whose claims have remained unresolved to this day. ”

· The Coca-Cola responded to advocacy groups by noting that it is “discussing with sponsors and FIFA on how migrant workers can increase access to effective redress in Qatar” and “is pushing FIFA to to build on [the federation's] efforts and build respect for human rights into the life cycle of this and all future World Championships, including effective structures to support redress."

McDonald's wrote: “We will continue to work with FIFA, human rights experts and other sponsors to push for positive human rights change (including by supporting processes that encourage redress) within the tournament and in the communities we serve."

Ten other World Cup sponsors and FIFA partners did not respond, despite having policies regarding human rights and environmental, social and governance standards in their operations and business relationships. The UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights describe the responsibility of all companies to respect human rights, including by using their influence with business partners to prevent or mitigate human rights violations.

Need for compensation

After filing a forced labor complaint against him with the International Labor Organization (ILO), Qatar has made several important reforms in recent years, and the Supreme Committee on Supply and Heritage has given stadium builders greater protection of their rights. Despite this, serious violations of labor rights continue to occur throughout the country, while violations committed in the past remain unresolved.

A report published by Amnesty International in May stated that FIFA did not show due concern for human rights when it decided to host the World Cup in Qatar in 2010, although the risks to workers were well documented, and subsequently did not make timely and effective efforts to remedy the situation.

A report released by Amnesty International in May found that FIFA failed to show due regard for human rights when it decided to host the World Cup in Qatar in 2010, although the risks to workers were well documented

On 19 May, an international coalition of migrant rights groups, trade unions, fan associations, victims of violations and human rights organizations called on FIFA to establish, together with Qatar, a comprehensive reparation program for all violations that were related to the 2022 World Cup. It was assumed that for its financing, FIFA should reserve an amount equivalent to at least 440 million US dollars - the prize fund for the participation of teams in the tournament. Despite the fact that only two months remain before the start of the competition, FIFA has not committed to repair the damage caused and is still considering the proposal.

“Neither Qatar nor FIFA will be able to return dead loved ones to people,” said Nick McGuian, director and founder of FairSquare, which investigates violations of the rights of migrant workers, “but financial compensation to distressed families of migrant workers for their deaths could provide some financial relief and potentially reduce long-term harm."

Financial compensation to distressed families of migrant workers for their deaths could provide some material relief and potentially reduce long-term harm
Nick McGian, director and founder of FairSquare

Development of existing mechanisms

As Human Rights Watch has documented, compensation can have far-reaching positive effects on migrant workers and their families.

Since 2018, the Qatari authorities have introduced measures to protect workers from the theft of their wages and facilitate their access to justice, but this has not affected all workers and has not extended to abuses that occurred in the years before the introduction of such a system. Most importantly, significant gaps remain in its implementation and application. Thus, those who have already left Qatar cannot apply either to the labor committees or to the fund created for payments in cases where the employer has not done so.

Sponsors, football associations and FIFA should use their influence with Qatar to pressure the country's authorities to expand and strengthen existing compensation schemes and systems, and establish additional effective mechanisms for redress in all outstanding cases, when necessary, to deal with the huge number of violations that have taken place in the past.

About the survey

YouGov surveyed 17,477 adults in Argentina, Belgium, UK, Germany, Denmark, Spain, Kenya, Morocco, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, USA, Finland, France, and Switzerland.

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