Qatar migrant workers still dying from extreme heat

As reported by Human Rights Watch (HRW), migrant workers in Qatar continue to face life-threatening conditions due to extreme heat, despite the government’s public claims of labor reform following the 2022 FIFA World Cup. According to HRW, the Qatari authorities have failed to implement adequate protections for the millions of foreign laborers who form the backbone of the country's economy. The report states that even after years of international pressure, workers are still subjected to heat stress that leads to preventable deaths, many of which are officially recorded as 'natural causes' to avoid compensation payouts. Human Rights Watch points out that the current heat protection regulations are insufficient, as they only prohibit work during certain daytime hours but do not account for the cumulative physiological impact of high humidity and rising global temperatures. As reported by HRW, the 'shameful legacy' of the World Cup persists, with families of deceased workers still fighting for justice and financial redress for wage theft and unexplained fatalities. The publication notes that the Qatari government has been accused of 'greenwashing' its labor record, using minor legislative tweaks to distract from a systemic lack of enforcement. According to HRW, the kafala system, while nominally abolished, still allows employers to exert excessive control over workers, who risk detention or deportation if they complain about unsafe working conditions. The report further highlights a recent proposal by the Shura Council to reinstate exit permits for domestic workers, which HRW warns would roll back the few gains made and increase the risk of forced labor and abuse. The publication emphasizes that Qatar’s failure to investigate and transparently report on worker mortality reflects a total disregard for the human rights of its expatriate population.