Qatar has set a temporary minimum wage for migrant workers worth some $200 a month, the authorities said on Thursday, a benchmark reform following criticism of its preparations for the 2022 World Cup. 

 

Labour Minister Issa al-Nuaimi told AFP that the “temporary minimum wage of 750 riyals ($195, 166 euro) per month will immediately come into effect”, while officials work on setting a permanent rate. In addition to the new salary, labourers will receive free accommodation, food and healthcare plans, covered by employers, he said. 

 

Introducing a minimum wage was among a package of major labour changes announced last month by Qatar, which has come under continued global scrutiny and criticism for its treatment of some two million migrant workers. Qatar has never had an official minimum wage policy, and officials said the 750 riyals figure could increase after a review. 

 

“We will not approve any employment contract if the salary is below 750 Qatari riyals per month. All contracts must now be approved by the ministry (of labour),” Nuaimi said. 

 

Among other key reforms on the books are a requirement to lodge job contracts with the government, preventing changes to contract terms after the arrival of workers in Qatar, and ending the right of employers to stop staff from leaving the country or changing jobs.