Audit: Serious concerns about world cup laborers for Qatar 2022

Migrant workers on Qatar’s 2022 World Cup building sites are going up to five months without a break, according to an audit that revives concerns about labor conditions.

Impactt, the World Cup organizers’ external compliance monitor, found working hours exceeded 72 hours per week at eight construction companies - a “critical” non-compliance of expected practices.

The report is a snapshot of the conditions for workers on the vast construction project being overseen by a body known as the Supreme Committee. Only 19 of the 208 construction companies were assessed, including 679 worker interviews, while 12 contractors lacked a reliable system to monitor hours, Impactt said.

According to Qatari labor laws, workers are expected to complete 48 hours of duty per week, or eight hours per day. The law also stipulates that laborers may work an extra two hours after the mandatory duration.

Urgent attention needed

Three workers for one contractor went without a day off for between 124 and 148 consecutive days. In one extreme case a 402-hour working month was uncovered, 90 over the limit.

Impactt said “urgent attention” was required to address ongoing contractual issues.

The report found 96 percent of new workers were paid an average of $1,248, with the majority not receiving a receipt, according to interviews with a sample of 24.

Impactt did, though, acknowledge a “new spirit” in Qatar to embrace changes to labor laws, including holding elections for worker welfare forums.