Qatar Finally Enforces Exit Visa Reform, Workers Can Now Leave Without Permission from Bosses
Doha, Oct 28: Long-awaited reform of Qatar's controversial exit visa system, which requires foreign workers to obtain their bosses' permission to leave the country, came into force on Sunday, the government said.
"Law No. 13 of 2018... regulating the entry, exit and residency of expatriates is being implemented starting today," the interior ministry announced on Twitter.
Qatar announced in September it had approved legislation to scrap the visa system — a lynchpin of the country's "kafala", or sponsorship, system which many liken to modern-day slavery.
Under the new law, all but five percent of a company's workforce — reportedly those in the most senior positions — can leave without prior permission from employers.
Those not allowed to leave Qatar "for any reason" can file a complaint to the Expatriate Exit Grievance Committee that will "take a decision within three working days", the ministry said.
Scrapping the exit permit is the biggest announcement made so far since Qatar agreed last November to enter into a three-year agreement with the UN's International Labour Organization to oversee reform.
The football World Cup 2022 host has come under intense pressure to reform its labour laws, which have been repeatedly denounced by human rights groups.
Critics have long argued for abolition of the exit visa system.
Research published last year by rights group Migrant-Rights.org found around a quarter of all exit visa requests were denied by the government.
There are some two million foreign workers in Qatar.
Courtesy: www.news18.com
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Muniratna should be expelled from BJP: Dinesh Gundurao
Bengaluru: Karnataka's Health Minister Dinesh Gundurao has demanded the expulsion of BJP MLA Muniratna from the party, urging the BJP to demonstrate its commitment to justice and fairness to the people of Karnataka.
Taking to micro blogging platform, X on Tuesday, Gundurao remarked, “BJP MLA Muniratna’s casteist comments against the Vokkaliga community have been confirmed by the FSL report submitted to the SIT. He not only demeaned the Vokkaliga community but also made derogatory remarks about the women of the community.”
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He further alleged, “It has been established that Muniratna is not only a casteist but also a misogynist. Despite this, the BJP continues to support him, proving yet again its anti-women stance. The BJP’s backing of Muniratna exposes its hypocrisy in claiming ‘Hindus are one.’”
Gundurao also criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi's slogan, "Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao," calling it "ridiculous" in light of the BJP’s alleged support for individuals accused of mistreating women. He urged the BJP to take action and protect the dignity of women and vulnerable communities in the state.
ಒಕ್ಕಲಿಗ ಸಮುದಾಯದ ವಿರುದ್ಧ ಬಿಜೆಪಿ ಶಾಸಕ @MunirathnaMLA ಜಾತಿ ನಿಂದನೆ ಮಾಡಿರುವುದು ಈಗ ಎಸ್ ಐ ಟಿ ಗೆ ದೊರಕಿರುವ ಎಫ್ಎಸ್ಎಲ್ ವರದಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಸಾಬೀತಾಗಿದೆ. ಮುನಿರತ್ನ ಒಕ್ಕಲಿಗ ಸಮುದಾಯದ ಕುರಿತು ಕೀಳಾಗಿ ಮಾತನಾಡಿರುವುದಷ್ಟೇ ಅಲ್ಲ, ಆ ಸಮುದಾಯದ ಹೆಣ್ಣುಮಕ್ಕಳ ಬಗ್ಗೆಯೂ ನಾಲಿಗೆ ಹರಿಬಿಟ್ಟಿದ್ದಾರೆ.
— Dinesh Gundu Rao/ದಿನೇಶ್ ಗುಂಡೂರಾವ್ (@dineshgrao) November 26, 2024
ಬಿಜೆಪಿ ಶಾಸಕ ಮುನಿರತ್ನ ಜಾತಿ… pic.twitter.com/th5gIEvFEn
