Technical Cooperation Project for the State of Qatar - Phase 3

The ILO’s technical cooperation project in the State of Qatar began in 2018, with phase 1 (2018-2021) having introduced a series of significant changes in law and policy to enhance the protection of the rights of migrant workers. Phase 2 (2021-2024) supported the implementation of the new legal and policy framework. The 3rd phase (2024-2028) focuses on consolidating these efforts and also addresses a number of priorities that are emerging from the NDS, and the changing dynamics of the labour market in Qatar. These policy priorities relate to the type of workforce that Qatar wants and needs, and include, inter alia, increasing the presence of nationals in the private sector, bolstering the number of women in the workforce, and attracting and retaining skilled workers. Additional policy measures are needed to reflect the various ways in which labour market dynamics are evolving, in terms of diverse forms of work and work organization arrangements, as well as emerging and declining sectors due to technological advancements or investments, etc. More flexible arrangements will require a new regulatory framework that reflects the needs of workers and employers. Implementing the labour laws and policies of the country requires effective labour market institutions that monitor working conditions and promote safe and healthy workplaces, that resolve disputes in a fair and timely manner, that review and adjust the minimum wage, that reduce skills gaps, etc. It requires worker and employer representatives to effectively engage in these discussions, building consensus and advancing stability through social dialogue. The project continues to work with these institutions and others. These two pillars are linked and mutually reinforcing, and the project adopted a few strategies that cut across the programmatic priorities. These include a focus on gender equality and opportunities for female workers; greater alignment of law and practice in Qatar with ILS; and supporting regional and international engagement – given that many of the issues faced in Qatar reflect broader trends in the GCC and beyond. The project is implemented in close collaboration with the MOL. The private sector is engaged, primarily through the QCCI, and the mechanisms and platforms for worker representation are built up at the enterprise, sectoral, inter-sectoral and national levels. A deeper cooperation with other ministries and entities is planned, particularly on the development of policies and programmes on skills, SMEs and gender equality. The priorities and outputs of Phase 3 have been discussed extensively through a series of consultations involving senior officials of the MOL together with the ILO officials in Doha, in the Regional Office for the Arab States and in ILO headquarters in Geneva. There have also been consultations with QCCI, the ITUC and a number of global union federations. The programme is aligned with the MOL strategic priorities for 2023-2027, as well as the national agenda; with the SDGs, particularly SDG 8; and with several of the ILO global priorities for the next biennium. The ILO is uniquely placed to deliver this comprehensive programme that draws on so many elements of the decent work agenda. Moreover, this 3rd phase builds on nearly six years of cooperation under phases 1 and 2, and benefits from many lessons learned at the strategic, operational and technical levels.

Project symbol

QAT/23/50/QAT

Admin unit

RO-Arab States/DWT-Beirut

Start date

07/06/2024

End date

06/06/2028

Total allocation

6412509

Total expenditure

Status

Active

4090917

Development Partners

Qatar, Ministry of Labour

Country/Countries

Qatar

Outcomes

Outcome 2: Strong, representative and influential tripartite constituents and effective social dialogue
Outcome 4: Sustainable enterprises for inclusive growth and decent work
Outcome 6: Protection at work for all
Outcome 3: Full and productive employment for just transitions
Outcome 1: Strong, modernized normative action for social justice