Doha, 3 October -  United Nations (UN) agencies in Qatar launched today a "Code of Conduct for UN Employers of Domestic Workers in Qatar” in the presence of UN staff, government representatives, domestic workers and embassies. 

The Code of Conduct is a voluntary commitment by UN staff in the country, demonstrating a shared responsibility to promote and protect the rights of domestic workers, in both their professional and personal lives. 

“Domestic Workers are among the most vulnerable workers because the job happens behind closed doors” said Ewa Naqvi, the Chief of Mission (OIC) for IOM in Qatar, “It is our collective duty as UN staff to ensure that we are modelling practices that protect their rights and are in line with national and international legislation”. 

H.E. Sheikha Najwa bint Abdulrahman Al Thani, Assistant Undersecretary for Migrant Labors Affairs at the Ministry of Labour, pointed out to the efforts of the Government of Qatar in improving the situation of domestic workers, adding that the ”code aligns with Qatar’s national goal of enhancing the protection of workers' rights, including those of domestic workers in Qatar, and reaffirms our commitment to upholding human dignity and human rights”.

“As employers ourselves, we understand that the employment relationship between a domestic worker and their employer has a number of unique elements, and it can get complicated,” said Max Tunon, Head of the ILO Project Office in Qatar. “This tool will help to provide clarity on what is expected of UN staff who are employers of domestic workers.”

H.E. Sheikha Hanouf bint Abdulrahman Al Thani, Director of the International Organizations Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, commended the efforts of the International Labour Organization and the International Organization for Migration for launching the Code of Conduct for UN Employer of Domestic Workers, pointing out that this code of conduct supports the efforts of the State of Qatar to promote the rights of domestic workers.

She further remarked that this code of conduct reinforces the responsibility of employers to ensure that domestic workers are treated fairly and ethically. 

Highlighting the role of employers, Margaret Nashipia Kabue, President of the Kenya Domestic Workers Organization Qatar noted “it is important for employers to create strong relationships and friendly working environment with the domestic workers. When a domestic worker feels safe, they can be more focused and happier.” 

Domestic workers, mainly from Asian and African countries, make up a sizeable proportion of the labour force in Qatar. With increased female labour force participation and growing demand for paid care work, the domestic worker sector in Qatar is expected to continue to grow. In recent years, Qatar has made important strides to enhance the protection of domestic workers.

This includes Law No. 15 of 2017 on Domestic Workers as well as labour reforms that cover the domestic work sector.   Despite these efforts, ensuring the full protection and respect of their rights remains an ongoing challenge due to the nature of the work. A challenge that is observed around the world.  

The employment relationship between domestic workers and their employers can be complex as they have to negotiate the two realms of a private home and work. Given the disproportionate power dynamics, employers can play an important role in building a mutually beneficial working relationship. Having clarity around expectations from both sides coupled with open communication can create a respectful work environment. Initiatives such as the Code of Conduct are instrumental and supplement existing efforts by engaging employers and raising awareness about their roles and responsibilities. 

For more information, please contact: rocairomcd@iom.int