Allowing workers to change jobs freely would help stabilise wages in the market and curb the phenomenon of absconding workers, according to Minister of Labour and Social Affairs H E Abdullah Saleh Mubarak Al Khulaifi.
The minister also said the inflow of foreign workers to Qatar will peak in the coming two years — 2016-2018 — and then gradually decline. This would also lead to stability in the job market in terms of wages.
The comments came during his meeting with Internal and External Affairs Committee of the Advisory Council to discuss the draft law regulating the entry, exit and residence of expatriate workers, Al Sharq reported.
The council on Monday approved the draft law with proposals for amendments to some key provisions related to sponsorship change and exit permit.
Giving his ministry’s view on the draft law, Al Khulaifi said free movement of workers from one job to another would curb unreasonable increase in the wages. “This will lead to stability in wages. This is what economists call wage balancing,” he was quoted as saying.
The new law would be implemented giving enough time to employers to adjust their status and recruit new workers, he added. The Minister said organising the labour market will also curb the phenomenon of runaway workers. According to the new law, the contract will govern relation between the employer and the employee and workers will be able to change jobs without restrictions after finishing the contract period and they will not be forced to run away or stay in the country illegally.
Regarding exit permit, Al Khulaifi said the proposed 72 hours time (three days) for approval of exit permits for workers will give enough time for the employer to express his opinion in favour or against the request. He said in the coming period, the ministry will focus on wage increase, absconding workers and change of sponsorship for workers after end of their contract.
Meanwhile, officials of the Ministry of Interior, during a session with the council panel to discuss the draft law, said runway workers cost the government about QR11m annually in terms of air tickets, accommodation and treatment.
