Doha, Qatar — The Bayanihan ng Manggagawa sa Konstruksyon ng Qatar (BMKQ), an association of Filipino construction workers, successfully hosted a Workers’ Rights Awareness Session for Migrant Workers on August 15 at the Ministry of Labour’s training facility in Al Huda Tower, West Bay.
The initiative was made possible through the collaboration of the Women Community Leaders Forum (WCLF), the Ministry of Labour (MoL), the Workers’ Support and Insurance Fund (WSIF), and the Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI). Together, these organizations ensured participants received well-rounded information and guidance on labour rights and support mechanisms in Qatar.
Attendees included members of The Brotherhood Organization (TBO), such as the Scouts Royale Brotherhood Qatar Alumni Association (SRBQAA), Alpha Phi Omega Alumni Association Qatar (APO), and Alpha Kappa Rho Qatar Council (AKRHO). Migrant workers from various sectors—including construction, hospitality, administration, and other professions—were also present.
The session aimed to empower migrants by raising awareness of their rights and responsibilities under Qatari labour laws. Topics included legal protection mechanisms, complaint filing procedures, and available support services. Participants were encouraged to assert their rights through peaceful and lawful means, while also promoting a workplace culture rooted in dignity and respect.
Interactive discussions allowed attendees to share real-life challenges, such as delayed salary payments. Resource persons provided practical, step-by-step guidance on how to lodge complaints with the Ministry of Labour, boosting participants’ confidence in exercising their rights.
Key speakers included Cheryl Marielou V. Cayaban from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and Engr. Ressie Fos, senior adviser of BMKQ. Both welcomed the opportunity to address the issues raised and reinforce the importance of informed, empowered migrant workers in Qatar’s workforce.