Update on efforts to improve situation of migrant workers in Qatar

Max Tunon of the ILO (pictured left) and Gijs de Jong of the KNVB. - Foto: KNVB Media

The KNVB went to Qatar again six months after the World Cup. “We said beforehand that before, during and after the World Cup we would be committed to improving the situation of migrant workers in Qatar", says Gijs de Jong, secretary general of the KNVB. Below is an update on all the efforts during and around this visit.

Players' hotel

The KNVB was never in favour of a World Cup in Qatar. Well before the World Cup qualifiers began, the football federation was already addressing the human rights situation there. For example, discussions were held with human rights organisations, unions, politicians and migrant workers to clarify what the KNVB could best do to help. This could be done by calling attention to the problems and using our own influence to drive improvements, such as requiring local suppliers to fully comply with recently introduced worker protection laws. “The KNVB has taken this task very seriously. The fact that we are still in talks here to monitor the state of affairs is part of that. The ongoing participation in this by the former players' hotel reinforces our belief that we have made a good choice. This was again evident from discussions with the hotel's Workers Welfare Committee. The new legislation is properly complied with and their approach is shared with other companies in Qatar," says Gijs de Jong.

Cooperation with ILO

The KNVB also spoke with the director of the Qatar Office of the International Labour Organization (ILO), Max Tunon, about the current state of affairs and what is still needed for improvement. ILO, in consultation with the Qatari government, is working on a new programme for the next four years focused on labour law affairs. Tunon: “We appreciate the proactive approach and commitment of the KNVB in monitoring developments in Qatar after the World Cup. This is a good example of how sports organisations can work with the ILO and other partners to achieve a fair agenda in the sports world.”

Embassy in Doha

A visit to the Dutch embassy in Qatar revealed that the embassy is committed to implementing the tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the ILO and the Qatari and Dutch governments. The embassy's experience is that good steps have been taken in the area of reform, but that further efforts are needed in terms of implementation. Gijs de Jong: “The recently introduced laws have not been reversed but must first be properly complied with everywhere. The embassy is also unabatedly active with their projects on co-determination. An MoU has also been signed by the governments of Qatar and the Netherlands to continue to work together on this.”

Shirt auction

We also looked ahead to the further elaboration of the action where shirts of the internationals were auctioned and the proceeds will be used by FNV Mondiaal for the migrant workers in Qatar in four ways: personal development, legal assistance, activities to promote workers' rights, and social activities. FNV Mondiaal, which has been involved with migrant workers in Qatar through their participation in BWI (Building and Wood Workers' International in Switzerland) for at least a decade, is keeping the KNVB informed about the use of the auction proceeds.

Human Rights Committee

UEFA's working group on labour and human rights, of which the KNVB is a member, remains in talks with FIFA. As a result, in a few months FIFA will publish a report on Qatar that will include all aspects. FIFA has also agreed to welcome two European members to the yet to be installed human rights committee, which will deal with FIFA's role around tournaments when it comes to human rights. After consultation, UEFA has nominated Lise Klaverness (Norway) and Gijs de Jong as the two representatives from Europe.

The KNVB is also continuing talks with the Dutch government to come up with a joint and systematic approach to participation in (international) sports tournaments.