Observation (CEACR) - adoptée 2025, publiée 114ème session CIT (2026)

Convention (n° 111) concernant la discrimination (emploi et profession), 1958 - Qatar (Ratification: 1976)

ILO Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP). Further to its previous comments, the Committee welcomes the continued technical cooperation between the Government and the ILO, with a third phase (2024–28) launched in 2024. It notes from the progress report published by the ILO in February 2025 that the Government has continued to take measures to improve the national labour system and that further reviews are under way to identify remaining gaps in the labour law related to implementation and the quality of services, in the areas of labour mobility, the labour inspection and occupational safety and health systems, dispute resolution systems, employment contracts, and social protection. The Committee firmly hopes that its comments below will be fully addressed through the TCP and requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken in relation to each of the points raised below.

Articles 1, 2 and 3(b) of the Convention. Discrimination in employment and occupation. Legislation. Further to its previous comments on the need for legislation to address protection against discrimination in employment and occupation, the Committee notes that, in its report, the Government reiterates its previous explanation regarding the protection afforded in the Constitution which contains general provisions on equality and non-discrimination based on some of the grounds covered by the Convention. The Government also refers to the provisions of the Labour Law (Law No. 14 of 2004, regulating the private sector) and Law No. 15 of 2016 (governing employment in the public sector) which deal with women’s employment. Regarding workers who are not covered by these laws, the Government refers to the legal regimes that apply and the working conditions of those workers (such as domestic and agricultural workers). However, these do not include provisions on protection against discrimination. The Committee recalls that the absence of a clear and comprehensive legislative framework addressing protection against discrimination in employment and occupation may prevent workers from availing themselves of their right to equal opportunity and treatment and to non-discrimination. Noting with regret, the continued absence of progress on this matter, the Committee urges the Government to take the necessary measures to review the legislative framework so that all workers are protected against discrimination with respect to all the grounds covered by the Convention and at all the stages of employment and occupation (access to vocational training, access to employment and to particular occupations, and terms and conditions of employment).

Sexual harassment. Further to its previous comments on the need to review existing legislative provisions covering this matter, the Committee notes that the Government reiterates its view that the Penal Code adequately addresses this issue and serves as an important deterrent to violence against women. The Government also refers to: (i) the relevant provisions of the Labour Law and of Law No. 15 of 2017 on Domestic Workers; (ii) the development of complaints-based mechanisms by the Ministry of Labour; and (iii) efforts to facilitate access to these mechanisms and raise awareness on preventing and combating sexual harassment in the workplace by integrating this issue into corporate policies and training workers’ and employers’ representatives in joint committees. The Committee requests the Government to continue its efforts to prevent and combat sexual harassment in the workplace, including by strengthening existing legislation in line with the Committee’s previous comments.

Articles 1 to 3. National policy for equality of opportunity and treatment. Gender equality. Further to its previous comments, the Committee notes with interest the information provided by the Government regarding: (i) the continued monitoring by the Ministry of Labour to ensure that there is no discrimination against pregnant women, including for those working as cabin crew; (ii) the establishment of a women’s committee composed of representatives of women workers from public companies trained on discrimination, violence and harassment, with a mandate to conduct risk assessments at the workplace and to address grievances, including regarding discriminatory curfews and the unequal distribution of overtime; and (iii) measures taken in the retail and manufacturing sectors to provide a safe and inclusive work environment for all workers. The Committee also notes: (i) the Ministry of Labour’s plan to conduct an audit on gender equality in the workplace; and (ii) the launch of initiatives on women’s entrepreneurship. While welcoming these positive developments, the Committee recalls that promoting gender equality requires sustained proactive measures to combat stereotypical views regarding women’s aspirations and capabilities, their suitability or interest for certain jobs, and their roles and responsibilities in the family and in society. The Committee requests the Government to continue to take measures to achieve better equality for women in all aspects of employment, and to assess the impact of such measures.

Migrant and domestic workers. Further to its previous comments, the Committee notes with interest the information provided by the Government regarding measures adopted to make migrant and domestic workers less vulnerable to discrimination, including by dismantling elements of the kafala system, abolishing exit permits for all categories of workers, facilitating the movement of workers and their transfer in the labour market, enhancing workers’ voice and providing effective remedies. It also notes the Government’s efforts to enhance community awareness to combat discrimination in the context of migration for labour. Recalling that combating prejudices and stereotypes against migrant and domestic workers requires sustained proactive measures, the Committee requests the Government to continue its efforts in this regard.

The Committee is raising other matters in a request addressed directly to the Government.