PHOTOS: Migrant workers clamor to share woes during labor camp visit

Amnesty-visit-1

On Friday, Nov. 15, Amnesty International representatives visited a labor camp in Qatar’s As Sayliyah district (near the Industrial Area) to investigate migrant worker conditions days before the release of their new report on migrant labor in Qatar.

“The Dark Side of Migration: Spotlight on Qatar’s construction sector ahead of the World Cup,” was made available to the public today. It goes into minute detail about rampant abuses in Qatar’s construction sector, and discusses exploitation of the migrant population at large.

Amnesty’s weekend visit, as well as other trips taken to compile the report, gave migrant workers a chance to directly share their stories, and allow outsiders to see first-hand the dismal living conditions endured by so many in one of the richest nations in the world.

Granted exclusive access to the visit, Doha News took these photos offering a glimpse into such conditions.

A crowd gathers around Amnesty International representatives, each person fighting for a chance to have their story heard.
A crowd gathers around Amnesty International representatives, each person fighting for a chance to have their story heard.
An Amnesty International representative and his translator question a construction worker on his living and work conditions.
An Amnesty International representative and his translator question a construction worker on his living and work conditions.

An Amnesty International representative explains the media waiver to a worker who just completed an interview.

James Zach Hollo

An Amnesty International representative explains the media waiver to a worker who just completed an interview.

Amnesty International representatives film a Nepali construction worker as he relates his story of false promises at home and exploitation abroad.
Amnesty International representatives film a Nepali construction worker as he relates his story of false promises at home and exploitation abroad.
Migrant workers gather around Amnesty International human rights inspectors to voice their grievances.
Migrant workers gather around Amnesty International human rights inspectors to voice their grievances.
Hanging back from the crowd gathered around Amnesty International inspectors, Nepali construction workers relate stories ubiquitous in the camp. Raskumar Salmar, pictured here, said he has not been given a food allowance in two months, and that he has not received his salary in 11 months.
Hanging back from the crowd gathered around Amnesty International inspectors, Nepali construction workers relate stories ubiquitous in the camp.Raskumar Salmar, pictured here, said he has not been given a food allowance in two months, and that he has not received his salary in 11 months.
Durga Bahadur B.K., a construction worker from Nepal, said he got sick shortly after arriving in Doha and had to undergo chest surgery at Hamad Hospital. In October, his Qatar I.D. expired, and his company now refuses to provide him with medical care, leaving him with no way of obtaining the medication needed for post-surgery recovery.
Durga Bahadur B.K., a construction worker from Nepal, said he got sick shortly after arriving in Doha and had to undergo chest surgery at Hamad Hospital. In October, his Qatar I.D. expired, and his company now refuses to provide him with medical care, leaving him with no way of obtaining the medication needed for post-surgery recovery.
Durga Bahadur B.K. holds his Qatar ID, which expired in October, leaving him with no means to access medical care.
Durga Bahadur B.K. holds his Qatar ID, which expired in October, leaving him with no means to access medical care.
Construction workers make dinner at a labor camp in As Sayliyah, Qatar.
Construction workers make dinner at a labor camp in As Sayliyah, Qatar.
Flies gather at a dumpster in a labor camp in Qatar’s As Sayliyah district. The kitchen is located only several meters away. Workers here say the garbage is rarely ever disposed of by city waste management workers.
Flies gather at a dumpster in a labor camp in Qatar’s As Sayliyah district. The kitchen is located only several meters away. Workers here say the garbage is rarely ever disposed of by city waste management workers.
A bike stands before drying laundry in a labor camp in Qatar’s As Sayliyah district.
A bike stands before drying laundry in a labor camp in Qatar’s As Sayliyah district.
Two puppies in a migrant labor camp in Qatar’s As Sayliyah district sniff the ground after growing bored of a fight over a newspaper.
Two puppies in a migrant labor camp in Qatar’s As Sayliyah district sniff the ground after growing bored of a fight over a newspaper.
In a Nepali construction worker’s bedroom, a cardboard box hold depictions of Hindu deities.
In a Nepali construction worker’s bedroom, a cardboard box hold depictions of Hindu deities.

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human
human
8 years ago

Kerala Indians are the major causes for this conditions of the worker, the workers are not even paid as they were promised before coming to Qatar. No proper government measures to look after these employees, the workers are forced to work as they don’t have any choice rather than to work. As their passport are hold by the employers, they are compelled to work and work …….. without no proper pay . I pray to lord when this new labor laws will come into action where employees are no longer require NOC, Exit permit, are allowed to flee from this country whenever they want. Modern Day Slavery is what can be termed for the Qatari Labor Laws. Despite of being richest country of this world, the Qatari Govenment should be ashmed of this practice. They should also accept that this country was developed on the basis of the international immigrants and workers who has given their blood and soul for the development of this coutnry. Shame on you Keralans…….

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