New video: GBV in the World of Work: Lived Experiences of Migrant Women in the Middle East

In a participatory research project convened by the Global Alliance Against Traffic in Women (GAATW) and nine organisations in countries of origin and destination, over 200 migrant women shared experiences of physical, psychological, and sexual abuse and violence. 

• UN official presents report on structural racism and ‘de facto caste system’ of Qatar:
  The UN Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, raised concerns on the structural and systemic forms of racism in Qatar.

  قراءة باللغة العربية

• UAE’s revised visa extension rules place migrants in precarity
  The UAE Cabinet announced resident permit holders now have only a three-month grace period to renew their visas and documents starting from July, after which they shall incur fines. The sudden reversal has thrown many workers into instability.

• Bahrain must not retain its Tier-1 status in TIP report:
  Despite achieving an excellent Tier-1 status in its Trafficking in Persons Report, the realities on the ground in Bahrain are at odds with the qualifications for Tier-1 status, putting to question the legitimacy of the evaluation process.  

• Despite authorities being aware, on-site World Cup workers go months without pay:
  Workers employed on a World Cup project in Qatar have not been paid for months, according to a recent report by Amnesty International. Salary delays began in early 2019, with many receiving no salary at all between September 2019 and March 2020.

Oman steps up nationalisation scheme in its private sector

Following the pandemic-driven economic downturn and plummeting oil prices, Oman has stepped up its Omanisation policy. Part of the decision stipulates that valid permits for the non-Omani workforce in certain professions shall be valid until the date of their expiry, suggesting impending job loss for the expatriate workforce. 

قراءة باللغة العربية

Oman fines businesses that violate Covid-19 precautions

The decision stipulates that the Ministry of Manpower shall have the authority to shut down businesses that violate Covid-19 precautions upon the recommendations of the epidemiological investigation team formed by the Ministry of Health.

قراءة باللغة العربية

Saudi Arabia renews free extension of migrant visas

Saudi Arabia has renewed an automatic extension of expired visit visas and residency permits (iqama) for foreigners both inside and outside of the country. The extension scheme will also include migrants who have been issued a final exit visa or exit/re-entry visa but could not leave or return due to travel restrictions.

قراءة باللغة العربية
 

Kuwait’s Parliamentary Legislative committee approves quota bill for migrant workers

Kuwait’s Parliamentary Legislative and Legal Affairs Committee has approved a draft law proposal which would set a foreign residence quota for every nationality.

قراءة باللغة العربية

Kuwait drops all “absconding” cases reported during Covid-19 crisis

قراءة باللغة العربية
 

UAE’s compulsory mental health checks for domestic workers is an exercise in victim-blaming

The new ruling ignores the fact that migrant domestic workers are disproportionately at the receiving end of abuse by their sponsors. No mental or criminal checks are required for employers, who hold significant power over domestic workers.

قراءة باللغة العربية

Kuwaiti Prime Minister announced plans to reduce the expatriate population from 70% to 30%

In response to the drop in oil prices and economic recession driven by the COVID-19 crisis, several Gulf states are implementing austerity measures, including cuts in public sector wages. 

قراءة باللغة العربية

Qatar’s Ministry of Finance to cut employment costs of non-nationals by 30%

In response to the drop in oil prices and economic recession driven by the COVID-19 crisis, several Gulf states are implementing austerity measures, including cuts in public sector wages.

قراءة باللغة العربية

Nearly 500 AMB-Hertel workers stage strike in UAE

Nearly 500 workers of Emirates-based AMB-Hertel protested against months of non-payment in May, according to reports by the Kathmandu Post and Le Monde newspaper.

Oman eases restrictions on sponsorship transfer

Previously, non-Omanis were banned from re-entering the country for two years if they left their employer without permission. Today, migrant workers in Oman can now transfer sponsorship without permission.

قراءة باللغة العربية