Job Discussion Forums

[Geronimo]

Mindful that I've made a lot of negative comments in this thread,
I thought it was time to post some more positive news.

I'm not a miserable, old b"$t"&%, I'm ever the optimist!

UCL Qatar has amended its housing allowance policy so that it is now less unfavourable for its female employees:-
http://dohanews.co/ucl-qatar-backtracks-after-some-female-staff-paid-less-than-men/

and, Qatar Airways has decided to allow its female flight attendants to get married,
in spite of the greater risk that they might get pregnant after doing so.
Don't worry, though, this airline hasn't gone completely bananas,
"Other regulations which had drawn complaints from staff – such as women crew members must be picked up from work only by their father, brother or husband – are thought to remain in place, at least for now."

Please note that this change in policy by the airline has not been as a result of international criticism, in spite of what the UN's I.L.O. might tell you.

On the contrary,
"Earlier this year Qatar Airways won the airline of the year award for the third time at the annual Skytrax world awards at the Paris air show."
http://www.theguardian.com/money/2015/aug/27/qatar-airways-will-no-longer-sack-cabin-crew-who-become-pregnant-or-marry

Geronimo

[plumpy nut]

[Geronimo]

Amnesty International has released its report into workers' conditions at the Khalifa Stadium in Qatar's "Aspire Zone".
It is entitled: "Qatar World Cup of Shame -The Ugly Side to the Beautiful Game"...
https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/campaigns/2016/03/qatar-world-cup-of-shame/

There is also a video presentation of the recent findings...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCzEJvH0p5I&feature=youtu.be

Today the BBC included Amnesty International's report of forced labour in its news broadcasts...
http://www.bbc.com/news/video_and_audio/headlines/35932671

The Supreme Council for Delivery and Legacy (SCDL) has responded to Amnesty International's allegations.
“There is a commitment towards progress,” SCDL secretary-general Hassan Al Thawadi said at a press conference earlier this week. “This World Cup is a catalyst for positive change.”
He added that the organization was “vindicated” after Amnesty found no evidence of any work-related deaths on World Cup sites, as the SCDL has said itself.
http://dohanews.co/abuses-on-qatar-world-cup-site-ugly-side-to-the-beautiful-game/

Will FIFA's new General Secretary, Infantino, take decisive steps to rectify the situation?
The "Doha News" doesn't think so...
http://dohanews.co/for-qatar-new-fifa-boss-will-likely-mean-more-of-the-same/

And so, the construction workers continue to suffer in appalling conditions.

Geronimo

[plumpy nut]

I wonder what recommendations the Supreme Council for Delivery and Legacy has given the Qatari overlords concerning their fellow slave driving citizens abuse of foreign workers from poor countries. "Can't we just all think positively about a solution?" "Be nice to your entrapped employees."

[Geronimo]

Two major British construction companies, Balfour Beatty and Interserve,
are being criticised for their involvement in the exploitation of workers in Qatar.

"“It is not enough for British companies to say they are operating in line with local norms when those norms have been criticised by human rights groups or to say they are working in compliance with local labour laws that have received widespread condemnation and fall short of the standards set by international bodies like the ILO,” said Damian Collins, a Conservative MP who campaigns for reform of football’s world governing body Fifa...."

Will a recent change in U.K. legislation influence the decision-making process within these two construction companies?

"...On 1 April, a clause in the UK’s Modern Slavery Act came into effect that requires large British companies to begin producing public statements outlining the actions they are taking to ensure their supply chains are free of slavery...."

http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2016/apr/13/balfour-beatty-interserve-accused-migrant-worker-labour-abuses-qatar

Geronimo

[mrpianoman]

I got put in jail in Qatar for kicking a shop door. I spent about a week in jail and kept having to go and see a judge to lessen the fine each time until it reached zero and then they let me out! FOOK QATAR. expensive drinks, expensive food, towers, traffic jams and silly police officers putting foreigners in jail.

[tmac-100]

[cartago]

I've never been to Qatar but I've seen reports that shopping centers and parks have a ban on bachelors and if you're a single man it makes life difficult.

This was brought up in the context of workers from South Asia so I don't know how often this applies to westerners who may not be suspected of harassing women as much but it still seems uncomfortable living in a place that has such blatant discrimination. However this may apply equally to Saudi Arabia and other places. I expect it would in Saudi Arabia.

If there were an equal number of places single men could go then that makes it better although irritating.

Fortunately in Iraq, where I am, this is limited to family sections of restaurants and even then is often ignored and usually not done in more western style places. Housing can be a problem if you're single but not insurmountable.

I would think twice about moving to a place where I couldn't go to the mall or the park on certain days, as if I were living in 1940s era Mississippi.

[helenl]

bans on single (read south Asian) men entering malls has been common in the GCC for years, but usually only on Fridays which is usually designated "family" day. Ostensibly, it is a way of keeping the labourers from entering and possibly annoying other customers. Unfortunately, it is usually the only day these men have to visit and do what little shopping their finances allow.

Of course it's a sham, if the man is wearing a thobe/dish dash - he won't be stopped no matter what colour he might be.

It used to be the norm in the UAE and Oman and continues in Qatar except at larger hypermarkets and supermarkets on Friday mornings when they are allowed to enter and buy - and then shooed out.

Western (read white) single men have never been subject to the ban to my knowledge

[Madman]

I would say Kuwait was the worst, then KSA, Qatar, Bahrain, UAE. I don't know where to place Oman in the list as I haven't worked there but as salaries are lower than most GCC areas I would pop it in between KSA and Qatar. I think your quality of life/daily experiences in any location depend on whether you are on your own or with family but I base my above ratings on the singleton's experience of quality of life, locals, infrastructure, local students, etc.

[veiledsentiments]