Sep 15, 2020 | News
In a joint statement, leaders of expatriate communities in Qatar expressed support for the labour reforms being undertaken by Qatar’s government.
“A good number of my fellow Bangladeshis will greatly benefit from this law. (The new minimum wage) shall enable for a considerable amount for our people to send back home to their families,” Amin Rasul, Secretary-General, Bangladeshi Community Qatar, said.
“In the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, these new laws are certainly a big relief for the Indian expatriate community,” said P N Baburajan, President, Indian Community Benevolent Forum (ICBF).
In the statement, the community leaders committed themselves to “sustained collaboration with the Government of Qatar and other stakeholders toward the achievement of the goals of the ongoing labour reforms…” and “work diligently so that the labour reforms are translated into tangible benefits for migrant workers…”.
Filipino community leader Ressie Fos said: “I have been working in Qatar for some years now and have witnessed the ongoing transformation in the way that migrants are treated. Of course, there are labour disputes, just like in other countries. But, I feel empowered because our organisation gets to work with the Ministry of Labour in addressing labour issues.”
Fos added: “We do not feel alienated from them because we do have open and frank discussions with the high officials of the ministry.”
Community Leaders Forum
The statement was signed during the Community Leaders Forum held on 11 September. A detailed briefing and consultation on the new laws was provided by Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs officials.
Fifty-eight community leaders and workers’ representatives of several business establishments took part in the meeting both
“One key role we have is keeping our fellow workers informed about the working and living conditions here in Qatar and the relevant laws. I believe participation of migrant communities is a key factor in the success of the labour reforms,” John Ngurugwe, organising secretary, Kenyan Community in Qatar, said.
May 3, 2020 | News
As the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic puts life at a standstill, people have come up with creative ideas to make the most of their free time, keep in touch with their loved-ones and colleagues or commemorate events.
Many have turned to online platforms to socialise, stay informed and entertain themselves.
On the same note, an online singing contest was recently organised to engage the Filipino community in Qatar and other music enthusiasts on the occasion of the World Day for Safety and Health at Work and the International Labour Day.
Billed Karaoke Challenge Online Edition, the activity gathered 20 talented amateur singers in the community who showed off their talents and provided entertainment to residents trying to get out of boredom while practicing physical distancing and adhering to calls from the government to stay at home.
The contest was held from April 28 to May 1 and organised by BWI (Building and Wood Worker’s International), Bayanihan ng mga Manggagawa sa Konstruksyon ng Qatar (BMKQ) and Bayanihan Qatar in collaboration with the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour & Social Affairs, IDWF (International Domestic Workers Federation) and the Philippine Overseas Labor Office in Doha (POLO- DOHA).
Out of the 20 finalists who went through several rounds, five made it to the championship round held on May 1 as many countries observe International Labor Day. The finalists were Darrel Delos Reyes from Malolos, Bulacan, Josemarie Desabille from Navotas City, Kristoffer Quiambao from Bataan, Sheryll Aida Garcia from Dipolog City and Frances M. De Guzman from Navotas City.
Frances bagged the championship title. His heartfelt rendition of the song “Ngayong Nandito Ka” earned the nod of the judges. He also received overwhelming support from his friends and colleagues online.
“The contest was a memorable experience for me. It was the first time for me to join such an event and it was an honour to compete with 19 equally-
talented contestants. Amidst this pandemic this unique concept of a singing competition is truly appreciated. I thank the organisers of the activity and those who have supported me during this journey. I hope that my performance was appreciated by the viewers and somehow entertained them. God bless us all and stay safe,” Frances said in his victory statement.
Bayanihan Qatar office-bearers headed by its president Jerry Ronquillo put together the competition which was well-received in the community and supported by various Filipino groups. While the panel of judges was headed by Chester Mendoza and Jazeel Maliza.
Commenting about the project that was deemed a success, BMKQ President Ressie Fos said, “In the previous year, some events were organised for Filipino expats to mark the World Day for Safety and Health at Work and International Labor Day led by MADLSA, BWI and other global institutions like the ILO. Given the current situation, we made all the activities virtual. We had two programmes of which the first one was the Karaoke Challenge Online Edition which featured an informative online discussion of COVID-19 related information and a singing competition to showcase one of the favourite habits and known talents of Filipinos which is singing. This is aimed at giving entertainment to help people ward off stress in view of the impact of the pandemic to mental health.”
He added that they are keen to hold another round of the activity and the possibility of replicating the contest for South Asian and African communities.
On the occasion, Fos said they also hosted a Community Leaders Forum on Workers Welfare which was spearheaded by MADLSA and BWI. About 55 community leaders from South Asian and African communities gathered virtually to take part in the forum.”
The forum featured prominent speakers namely MADLSA Deputy Undersecretary Mohammed Hassan Al Obaidly, BWI General Secretary Ambet Yuson and Houtan Homayounpour, Head of ILO Qatar Project Office.
Fos said the forum has earned positive reactions from the community leaders and thankful for the Qatar government and stakeholders like BWI, ILO and other global unions who collaborate for workers’ welfare and reforms.
You can watch the videos here:
Elimination Round: Watch!
Semi-Final Round: Watch!
Final Round: Watch!
This article was also published on Qatar Tribune, written by Ailyn Agonia
Nov 22, 2019 | News
BWI coordinated a gender-based violence workshop for the BMKQ Women’s Group with speakers from MADLSA, ILO and the IDWF. One of the main issues of the workshop was on the new ILO Convention 190 Violence and Harassment. A big shout out to Myla Laja – BMKQ Women Coordinatior for working with BWI in putting together the program.
Oct 27, 2019 | News
The Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) Doha LLC(G) conducted a seminar about the recently launched Qatar Visa Center (QVC) and Qatar Law No. 14 of 2004 as amended or otherwise known as Qatar Labor Law. The event was held at Crowne Plaza Hotel.
Eng Ressie Fos, Chairman and Paralegal of BMKQ and BWI, respectively, spearheaded the three-part seminar. In the first two parts, he discussed the topics related to Qatar Labor Law and Qatar Law No. 21 of 2015, particularly about the entry, exit and residency of expatriates. The last part covered the discussion on the salient features of QVC in Manila, Philippines, which was launched on September 25, 2019.
In particular, Fos lectured on what is the meaning and purpose of QVC, the advantages and the step-by-step processes and procedures in compliance with the QVC. Moreover, he also discussed the New Immigration Law that was implemented last December 14, 2016, which has a huge impact on the operation of the sponsorship system for the expatriate workers in Qatar.
The dos and don’ts in the processing of the entry, exit and residency of the expatriates and the procedures to follow in changing jobs were also tackled.
“Having no or not enough knowledge in the law will never be an excuse! But sometimes, when people are in trouble, ignorance will always be the number one excuse. Thus, to provide the best interest of the Filipinos and other expatriates in Qatar, PICPA Doha LLC(G) initiated a first step on how to be a way of imparting knowledge to those who are in need or to those who want to learn more,” according to a statement of the organisers.
The opening and closing remarks of the highly-informative seminar were delivered by PICPA Doha LLC(G) President Elmer H. Espiritu and Christian Dave M. Barrameda.
For more information about all the upcoming events of PICPA Doha LLC(G), please visit www.picpadoha.org or you may send an e-mail to info@picpadoha.org for any inquiries.
Jul 26, 2019 | News
The Bayanihan ng Manggagawa ng Konstruksyon ng Qatar or BMKQ held its 2019 General Assembly last 26 July 2019 at the Crowne Plaza in Doha, Qatar. BMKQ is a local chapter of the Philippine’s Federation of Free Workers (FFW), an affiliate of BWI. The annual assembly heard and ratified the President’s report for the year 2018-2019. In his President’s Report, Ressie Fos highlighted BMKQ’s continuing efforts in building and strengthening partnerships with the aim of promoting the rights and welfare of migrant workers in Qatar – “This is the reason why we fully support Bayanihan Qatar and other allied workers’ associations. This is why we nurture our relationships with Qatar’s Ministry of Administrative Development, Labor and Social Affairs and our very own embassy here in Qatar and the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO). This is why we take part in the broader Community Leaders Forum on Workers’ Welfare – a multi-national and muti-sectoral forum created by the Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI) in partnership with Qatar’s Ministry of Administrative Development, Labor and Social Affairs”, said Ambet Yuson – BWI General Secretary.
Elected officers for 2019-2020 are as follows: Ressie Fos (President), Joseph Catarungan (Vice President), Mags Laja (Secretary), Ian Baldesco (Treasurer), Toto Libres (Auditor), Marino Ilustrado (Public Relations Officer) and Eliseo Bermido (Business Manager). Duly approved by the body, upon the proposal of BMKQ President, local area coordinators and working committee members were appointed, among others, Willy Fajardo, Bernard Dijamo, Presal Paclebare and Mon Paranas. Local area coordinators will be in-charge with mobilizing members and initiating activities in local areas so that BMKQ activities and programs shall be decentralized. The newly elected officers and leaders were sworn into office by Marco Polo Ferrer, BWI’s Community Liaison Officer for Qatar, witnessed by the Philippine Labor Attaché, Honorable David Des Dicang.
Immediately after the BMKQ assembly, the meeting of the Council of Leaders of Bayanihan Qatar was held in the same venue. Bayanihan Qatar is a federation of 22 grassroots organizations of Filipino migrant workers. Including its partners organizations, the organization mobilizes about 35 organizations in various programs to provide assistance to distressed workers. Bayanihan Qatar is a result of BMKQ’s effort to build broader unity of Filipino migrant workers in Qatar, especially those that are from the construction sector, domestic workers, hospitality workers and other skilled and semi-skilled workers. It’s newly re-elected President, Jerry Ronquillo, is also the head of BMKQ’s Education Committee.
Aug 4, 2017 | News
Bayanihan ng Manggagawa sa Konstruksyon ng Qatar (BMKQ), a group of Filipinos working in the construction sector and related fields in Qatar, held its general assembly and election of new set of a office-bearers at a gathering held in Sapphire Hotel on Friday.
Around 109 people attended the assembly. Philippine labour attache to Qatar David Des Dicang and leaders of various community groups were also present. Following the election, the seven members of its new set of office-bearers were officially named elected by the group’s advisers and members of this year’s commission on elections. The roster of new BMKQ office-bearers includes Ressie Fos as President, Joseph Catarungan as Vice-President, Grace Morales as Secretary, Anneza Ali as Treasurer, Jovanie Cario as Auditor, Anthony Laquihon as Public Relations Officer and Jovelyn Pabatao as Business Manager.
The event also featured various presentations and official welcoming of the new members of BMKQ.
This article was also published on Qatar Tribune
