Uganda, Qatar sign bilateral labour agreement

Uganda and Qatar have taken a significant step towards protecting Ugandan migrant workers with the signing of a Bilateral Labour Agreement.

The agreement, signed by Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Hon Betty Amongi, and Dr. Ali bin Samikh Al Marri, the Qatari labor minister aims to ensure the safety and uphold the rights of all Ugandan migrant workers in Qatar.

This agreement comes after years of Ugandan officials expressing concern about the working conditions faced by their citizens in the Middle East. Reports of abuse, withheld wages, and unsafe working environments have been a cause for alarm.

In an effort to address these challenges, Uganda has previously signed similar agreements with Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates.

These agreements aimed to establish clear terms of employment, including minimum wage, working hours, and health insurance. Additionally, the Ugandan government has proposed deploying labor attaches to countries with large Ugandan migrant populations to better assist workers facing difficulties.

The new agreement with Qatar specifically mentions protections for skilled, semi-skilled, and domestic workers. This is a crucial point, as domestic workers have often been particularly vulnerable to exploitation. The agreement outlines provisions for well-defined employment contracts, ensuring workers understand their rights and working conditions before leaving Uganda.

A Joint Technical Committee will be established to oversee the implementation of the agreement. This committee, which will convene for its first meeting in May, will be responsible for monitoring compliance and addressing any concerns that may arise.

The Ugandan government hopes that this agreement will be a turning point for Ugandan migrant workers in Qatar.