National Day/ Minister of Labor to QNA: National Day Embodies Cultural and Human Significance of Qatar's Glorious History

Doha, December 16 (QNA) - HE Minister of Labor Dr. Ali bin Saeed bin Smaikh Al Marri affirmed that the State of Qatar's celebration of its national day embodies a revival of glorious days in the country's history, as well as inspiring memories and aspirations for its people and generations, pointing out that this lofty message is always reflected by ancient peoples in their celebrations of their own national holidays. On this occasion, which has a major historical, cultural and humanitarian significance, HE Minister of Labor extended his warm congratulations to HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, who has been keen - since he assumed power in the country, that the State of Qatar will always occupy a position where peoples are moving towards progress and prosperity, within the framework of a comprehensive vision of economic and social development. In a statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA), HE Minister of Labor valued the major achievements made by the State of Qatar under the wise leadership of HH the Amir in various fields, adding that in the midst of this festive atmosphere, we take advantage of the gains and achievements that have been made in our beloved Qatar in recent years, thanks to the hard work and sincere cooperation of its loyal people, as well as a leadership that has built the pillars of excellence and progress, for a promising future abundant with prosperity and growth. HE Minister of Labor reviewed the achievements made in the field of various labor sectors, based on the country's keenness to protect the rights of workers - citizens and residents, in recognition of their essential role, as they built lofty industrial and productive edifices that inspire pride and honor, pointing out that the concerted and unified efforts of workers, government and employers had a huge impact and effective contribution in strengthening the national march towards further development, prosperity and progress. In his statements, His Excellency highlighted the significant reforms that the State of Qatar has made in recent years in the labor market, through the development and modernization of many laws and procedures to promote and protect the rights of migrant workers, such as canceling the residents' exit permit, allowing employees to freely change their employer without the need for a non-objection certificate, setting a minimum wage, announcing the establishment of visa centers for Qatar abroad, and establishing a fund to support and secure workers, in addition to providing them with a safe and secured work environment. The reforms also included a law limiting working hours during summer by prohibiting work in the heat hours during the day, setting up committees for labor dispute settlement, and a wage protection system, he added. His Excellency underlined more reforms that have been made, including tightening oversight to ensure compliance with the approved standards of occupational health and safety in workplaces and housing, and the issuance of a law to regulate and protect the rights of domestic workers, as well as the approval of the Shura Council in April 2021 on a new draft law providing a mandatory health insurance for all residents and visitors, in addition to developing the labor complaints mechanism, establishing a hotline, and providing 11 self-service complaints devices that work in 11 languages in the branches of the Labor Relations Department at the Ministry of Labor. HE Minister of Labor concluded his statements to QNA by extending congratulations to the Qatari people and workers - citizens and residents, on the country's National Day with its major historical, cultural and humanitarian significance, as well as the hopes and aspirations it inspires, expressing his wishes that everyone -including the World Cup guests- will enjoy the activities of this national occasion. (QNA)