Catherwood LibraryILR School

In the midst of the Arab embargo on Qatar, migrant workers are being dealt the most harm. After Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bahrain, and the UAE imposed sanctions on Qatar almost two months ago on the grounds of Qatar allegedly supporting terrorism, foreign workers are being laid off as employers tell them there is no work for them to do. Foreign workers, who make up around 90% of Qatar’s population, are being put under financial strain because of the sanctions as their jobs are taken away and the prices of basic necessities rise. Businesses have also reported that salaries may be delayed, and have instructed many employees to return to their home countries. As part of Qatar’s work-sponsorship program, employees must get the consent of their employers to change jobs or leave the country, but Qatar is now considering a plan to allow workers into the country without visas instead.