Silvia Pessoa, an associate teaching professor at Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar, has tracked labour issues in the country since 2007 and is the co-author of the quantitative study on workers entitled ‘A portrait of low-income migrants in contemporary Qatar.’

“The positive reception of the Workers’ Welfare Standards is an encouraging sign,” she said while observing that “this success story speaks of Qatar’s commitment to ensure the rights of migrant workers building the infrastructure for the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar. The increase in the productivity of the workforce on this project shows that this is a win-win situation for all involved: when workers are satisfied with their working and living conditions, they are likely to be more committed to their jobs, which increases their productivity and benefits the company.”

Amana, the early works contractor at the new Al Wakrah Stadium, the first proposed host venue for the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar, has reported that the SC’s Workers’ Welfare Standards (WWS) have helped create living conditions that improve the overall well-being of its workers, leading to better quality work and greater
productivity on the worksite.

The WWS, which are aligned with Qatari Labour Law and international best practice, include specific requirements for operating and maintaining employer-provided worker housing.

The standards require contractors to provide free catering and laundry services as well as a deep cleaning programme and wireless Internet. Contractors that have successfully implemented these standards claim that one benefit of the accommodation guidelines is that workers have fewer responsibilities after work, allowing for more free time to sleep, exercise or communicate with
family back home.