News
Reforming human and labor rights in the Gulf Region —the Qatar example
Qatar is one of the seven Arab countries in the Persian Gulf. Others include Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). These nations are also known as the Gulf Cooperation Council(GCC) countries, and a common thread runs through them all: the world’s largest oil and gas reserves are domiciled there.
But beyond their buoyant economy and huge oil and gas reserves, these predominantly Islamic states are seen by many as not been too proactive in terms of their human and labor rights records, most especially as they relate to migrant workers who are mostly of African descent.
Also, these Arab nations have been accused of violating women’s rights and those of the LGBTs that borders on extreme conservatism.
But most vehement, these Gulf States have come under intense global criticisms for operating the very oppressive, exploitative, and dehumanizing Kafala employment system.
The Kafala, or sponsorship system ‘’defines the relationship between foreign workers and their local sponsor or Kafeel, which is usually their employer. The system further ties the migrant workers to a sponsor who has the right to grant the employees exit permits. (right to leave the job or country for new employment or state)
And due to this widely criticized oppressive migrant labor system (Kafala), the Gulf States have been vilified by many bodies and organizations, calling on them to reform their human and labor laws in sync with best global practices.
For instance, International football teams recently protested human rights abuses in Qatar ahead of next year’s World Cup finals in that country, by wearing protest T-shirts ahead of qualifiers matches. However, the protest was criticized by many as hypocritical, given the fact that many of the protesting players and their employers were directly or indirectly linked with Qatar’s major companies, and that Qatar was ahead of other Gulf States in terms of human and labor rights reforms.
But a few others posit that despite Qatar’s leading role in human and migrant labor rights, the players’ protest was timely and welcome since it was aimed at drawing the attention of the world and the Gulf States that it is not yet Uhuru in terms of consolidating friendly- labor laws in the region. To draw home the imperativeness of the protest, David Harding in an article in Independent newspaper, titled: Accusing footballers of hypocrisy for protesting about human right abuses in Qatar rather misses the point’ said ‘’we should be applauding footballers –who have had little in the way of leadership from national politicians and Fifa- for taking a stand, as part of a new age of protest in sport, stretching from Colin Kaepernick through to Black Lives Matter.’’
It is, however, interesting to say here, that it is not all a gloomy picture or sorry tale in terms of human and labor rights abuses in the Gulf States, as Qatar has rolled out far-reaching laws aimed at ending labor-related discriminatory policies in the country.
Still, it is believed that Qatar’s novel reforms which began in 2017will ultimately open a fresh vista for more friendly, humane, and better migrant workers’ rights in the Gulf Region. Such Qatar’s landmark reforms include the abolition of exit permits for migrant workers; establishment of a new national minimum wage; setting up of minimum age commission, among others.
And major international bodies like the International Labour Organisation(ILO) European Union, (EU), the African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC –Africa), among others have applauded Qatar’s reforms initiative.
For instance, in a commendation letter dated September 6, 2018, and signed by its General Secretary, Kwasi Adu-Amankwah, the ITUC-Africa wrote, “We welcome the recent announcement by the Qatar government to abolish exit permits for migrant workers. We commend the Qatar government for the obvious show of genuine commitment towards meeting her pledge made to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to effectively reform her labor laws so as to bring them in conformity with ILO Conventions and other international statutes. Indeed, since August 2017, Qatar has commenced a holistic review of her Labour Codes to rid them of vestiges that facilitate and promote human and labor rights abuses. This development is particularly welcome for Africa because many of her labor migrants to the GCC states have been subjected to all manner of exploitation, abuse, and slave practices on account of the exit permit, which is one of the elements of the kafala sponsorship system for labor recruitment in the GCC states.
The statement added: “We call on other GCC states and Gulf countries, notably Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Oman to undertake similar reforms to their labor codes with the view to protect and secure the rights of workers, especially migrant workers who constitute the majority of the workforce. In particular, ITUC-Africa is of the view that a genuine labor code review by Saudi Arabia, being the biggest GCC economy, will send a positive and inspirational signal to the other members of the GCC states to also commit to reform like Qatar is doing”
In the same vein, the ITUC-Africa last year commended Qatar for further reforms by removing restrictions to migrant workers’ ability to change employers at their choice and the establishment of a new minimum wage.
The ITUC-Africa on September 7, 2020, wrote, “ We welcome the news of the amendment of the labor laws in Qatar to remove restrictions to migrant workers’ ability to change employers at their choosing following a notice period. We understand that the removal of employers’ permission and consent for employees to change jobs and employers is with immediate effect. The removal of the employer permission regime will make employment relations more humane. It will also significantly eliminate the slavery-like relationship tied to the kafala sponsorship employment system.
It must be restated here that the Gulf State of Qatar also established a new national minimum wage, which is to be enjoyed by all categories of workers. This new minimum wage now stands at QAR 1800 (493USD) for workers who are not provided with food and accommodation by their employers. Those that enjoy employers’ provision of decent accommodation but no food will earn QAR 1500 (410 USD). Migrant workers whose employers provide food and accommodation will earn a minimum wage of 1000 QAR (274 USD). All workers without discrimination will enjoy the national minimum wage.
The ITUC-Africa further noted that the laws carry good application and enforcement timelines and compelling sanctions in the event of default by employers. Specifically, the government of Qatar has given employers up to six months to comply with the new regulations. Failure to comply with the implementation directives will attract sanctions, which include suspending the operations of the company and suspending individual operations for those employing domestic workers.
“We further welcome Qatar’s establishment of a Minimum Wage Commission that will periodically review the national minimum wage rate. Subsequent reviews are to be based on evidence of the cost of living and are to take into account the responsibilities of migrant workers to their families at home. ITUC-Africa commends these developments as an apparent commitment by the government of Qatar towards better protection of the human and labor rights of workers, the majority of whom are migrant workers. ITUC-Africa added”
Most commendable, at a recent workshop held to assess the level of success on Qatar’s ‘migrant reforms’, as contained in the West Minister Report, experts from international organizations and government officials lauded the progress made so far by the country, just as they opined that much needed to be done to achieve the desired goals.
The participants stressed the need for international collaboration among the EU, ILO, trade unions and employers, etc. to further sustain the gains of the reforms.
‘’This is a success model that we need to replicate across the GCC countries. In addition, it is obvious that we should not denigrate the importance of labor inspection and occupational safety and health. It has to be considered as a priority,’’ a participant advised.
At that all-important forum, the need to effectively engage the private sector was also emphasized. The participants further cautioned that without the private sector’s role in the migrant reforms, that not much progress will be achieved since the employers hold to key to better working conditions. They added that coordination and cooperation between the various organizations are central to sustainable labor reforms in the GCC countries.
For the Qatar Ambassador Representative at the parley, Hassan AL-Thawadi, he said ‘’Qatar’s commitment to improving labor-related matters and improving lives is constant. The commitment is intrinsic to our national values enshrined in our constitution and is the key tenet to our Islamic principles.’’
He added: ’’reforms combined with bolstered enforcement mechanisms including electronic-based age protection system demonstrates a commitment to sustainable long-term change. However, we acknowledge that there is a long journey ahead of us and more needs to be done as the case in every nation of the world. In some countries still, it is not possible to change employers without permission, but in Qatar, it is possible’’
On the issue of discriminatory migrant workers law in the GCC countries and Qatar’s leading role to change the sad narrative, a Research Fellow at Micheal Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies, Ilorin, Dr. Wale Ojo, commended Qatar’s initiative to bring an end to discriminatory migrant workers policies, adding that other GCC countries such take clue from Qatar in that direction. He added that much needed be done to ensure a better and humane work environment in GCC countries as obtainable in Europe and North America.
‘’This issue of oppressive migrant labor conditions in the Gulf Region has been there for ages. Maybe because of their Islamic nature, most of the GCC states are averse to far-reaching reforms and have in place unacceptable migrant labor policies. However, l must laud Qatar for spearheading the migrant labor reforms initiative, and believe the time has come to put necessary international pressure on other GCC states to toe Qatar’s line, and key into more humane and workers’ rights policies,’’ Ojo stressed.
From the foregoing, it is beyond contention that Qatar has taken the lead in ushering in more humane and realistic human and labor rights reforms in the Gulf Region, but the big question is: can Qatar sustain this laudable program and throw up the challenge to its sister GCC states to follow suit? – Our fears and expectations are buried in the womb of time!
♦ Kenneth Smith writes from Hamburg, Germany. To reach him directly, email >>>
- Houston and Owerri Community Mourn the Passing of Beloved Icon, Lawrence Mike Obinna Anozie - October 3, 2025
- Houston Gets a Taste of West Africa at Chef Kavachi’s ‘Art of Fufu’ Show, August 8 - July 30, 2025
- The Leadership Deficit: Why African Governance Lacks Philosophical Grounding - July 30, 2025
In a bid to address rising public concerns and social media speculations about taxation in Enugu State, the Executive Chairman of the Enugu State Internal Revenue Service (ESIRS), Emmanuel Nnamani, has provided clarifications on the government’s tax policies. During a press briefing in Enugu, Nnamani dismissed what he described as “false and misleading claims” and reassured residents that the government’s fiscal operations are firmly rooted in law, transparency, and public good.
Clarifying Misinformation and Affirming Legality
Nnamani opened the session by stressing that no taxes or levies in Enugu State are imposed outside the provisions of the law. “Taxes and revenues in Enugu State remain within the limits of the law. We do not impose any levies outside what the law permits,” he stated, pointing to the Personal Income Tax Act (as amended) as the guiding legal framework.
He explained that the ESIRS collects personal income tax through two lawful means: Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) for those in formal employment, and Direct Assessment for informal sector workers. While compliance among salaried workers has been largely smooth, the agency sometimes employs legal enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance among self-employed individuals.
Formalising the Informal Sector
A key challenge, he noted, has been bringing the informal sector—especially market traders and transport operators—into the formal tax net. Upon assuming office, his administration discovered that an overwhelming 99% of informal sector actors were not remitting taxes to the state, largely due to the disruptive influence of non-state actors engaged in illegal collections.
In response, the government introduced a consolidated ₦36,000 annual levy for market traders. This amount, payable between January and March, covers all relevant state-level charges, including those by the Enugu State Waste Management Agency (ESWAMA), Enugu State Structures for Signage and Advertisement Agency (ENSSAA), storage fees, and business premises levies. “Once this amount is paid between January and March, the trader owes nothing else for that year,” Nnamani clarified. Traders who fail to pay by March 31 are subject to enforcement.
For street vendors operating outside structured markets, an annual levy of ₦30,000 applies, with ESWAMA charges handled separately. Transport operators such as Okada riders, Keke drivers, minibuses, tankers, and trucks pay via a daily ticketing system.
A Human-Faced Approach to Enforcement
Although the law allows for a 10% penalty on unpaid tax and an interest charge tied to the Central Bank’s Monetary Policy Rate of 27.5%, Nnamani disclosed that the state has adopted a softer, pro-business approach. Instead of the full punitive charges, a flat ₦3,000 penalty is applied in most informal sector cases to promote ease of doing business and encourage voluntary compliance.
Taxation and the Cost of Rent
Addressing growing concerns over rising rent, Nnamani rejected claims linking the trend to state tax policies. He described the issue as a national challenge influenced by supply and demand, rather than fiscal policy.
Citing personal experiences dating back to 2015, he observed that a shift in private development preference – from rental apartments to gated residential estates – has contributed to the housing squeeze. “If we had more high-rise buildings, rent would drop,” he noted. The state government, he added, is taking proactive steps through the Ministry of Housing and Housing Development Corporation to build mass housing and student hostels near institutions like ESUT and IMT, freeing up central city housing and helping moderate rents.
Technology, Transparency, and Trust
In line with its commitment to transparency and digital innovation, the ESIRS has launched a tax calculator on its official portal – www.irs.en.gov.ng – allowing residents to compute their taxes with ease and clarity. “This is about transparency and giving our people confidence,” he said, inviting residents to compare Enugu’s tools with those in more advanced states like Lagos.
Understanding the Cost of Development
Responding to concerns that Enugu has become one of Nigeria’s most expensive states, Nnamani acknowledged the perception but clarified that the temporary inflation is largely demand-driven. With Enugu undertaking widespread infrastructural renewal – including smart schools, primary health centres, and hospitality infrastructure – the surge in construction activity has led to increased demand for building materials like granite and rods, which are sourced from other states.
“Once these projects are completed, demand will drop, and prices will stabilise,” he assured. He emphasised that the projects are visible testaments to what taxpayers’ money can achieve when properly managed.
A Call for Mutual Understanding and Civic Partnership
More than a tax clarification, Nnamani’s address served as a reminder of the symbiotic relationship between citizens and government. He appealed for public understanding, noting that when citizens fulfil their tax obligations, the government can, in turn, provide essential services and infrastructure that uplift everyone.
His message was clear: responsible taxation, managed transparently and invested wisely, is the bedrock of sustainable development. From roads to schools and healthcare to housing, Enugu State is demonstrating how taxpayers’ money, when efficiently deployed, can improve lives and build the future.
- Houston and Owerri Community Mourn the Passing of Beloved Icon, Lawrence Mike Obinna Anozie - October 3, 2025
- Houston Gets a Taste of West Africa at Chef Kavachi’s ‘Art of Fufu’ Show, August 8 - July 30, 2025
- The Leadership Deficit: Why African Governance Lacks Philosophical Grounding - July 30, 2025
When it comes to international culinary gems and cultures across the United States, the city of Houston is counted among one of the best places to experience an authentic taste of every corner of the world.
On the evening of Friday, August 8th, Houstonians will have a chance to engage all of their senses into the world of real West African flavors at Grubido’s ‘Art of Fufu’ Food & Art Show, a free culinary and art experience taking place at Flatland Gallery (1709 Westheimer Rd.) in Montrose.
Curated by Grubido founder and Culinary Cultural Curator Kavachi Ukegbu, the annual celebration of west African cuisine and artistry will once again open its doors to patrons to witness the delights of creating and eating Fufu (a starchy, dough-like food that is a staple in many West and Central African countries), and its delicious and diverse pairings of soups and stews that originate from various parts of the continent, and uniquely compliment the beloved food staple as a complete meal. The event will also celebrate the observance of National Fufu Day in the United States on August 11th.
From the process of how different types of fufu are grown and manufactured, to the careful guidance on properly preparing the fufu to be eaten, the ‘Art of Fufu’ Food & Art showcase will give patrons a full circle perspective and appreciation for the food staple that has gained global popularity on social media and in many countries around the world.
Attendees will be treated to fufu and soup samples, live Afrobeats music, an impressive display of fufu inspired artwork and collectables from over the years, and the opportunity to purchase Grubido food products, t-shirts, and the official The Art of Fufu cookbook. Originally published and released by Chef Kavach in 2021, “The Art of Fufu is a fascinating and informative guide to fufu, one of the most delicious and beloved staple foods of West Africans.” All cookbook purchases at the event will be signed by Chef Kavachi.
Entry for this event is free to all guests, but RSVP is strictly required in advance. To RSVP for the upcoming Art of Fufu Food & Art show, please visit the official website online at www.TheArtofFufu.com, or contact Grubido at (832) 818-6847.
The Art of Fufu Cookbook is a culinary treasure that explores the flavors, techniques, and cultural significance of fufu. It is a testament to the artistry of West African cuisine and serves as a guide for those seeking to immerse themselves in this beloved dish.
For more information, please visit www.theartoffufu.com & www.artoffufu.com
- Houston and Owerri Community Mourn the Passing of Beloved Icon, Lawrence Mike Obinna Anozie - October 3, 2025
- Houston Gets a Taste of West Africa at Chef Kavachi’s ‘Art of Fufu’ Show, August 8 - July 30, 2025
- The Leadership Deficit: Why African Governance Lacks Philosophical Grounding - July 30, 2025
Leadership across nations is shaped not only by policies but by the quality of the individuals at the helm. History has shown that the most transformative leaders often draw from deep wells of ethical, philosophical, and strategic thought. Yet, in many African countries—and Nigeria in particular—there appears to be a crisis in the kind of men elevated to govern. This deficit is not merely political; it is intellectual, philosophical, and deeply structural.
There is a compelling correlation between the absence of foundational wisdom and the type of leaders Nigeria consistently produces. Compared to their counterparts in other parts of the world, Nigerian leaders often appear fundamentally unprepared to govern societies in ways that foster justice, progress, or stability.
Consider the Middle East—nations like the UAE and Qatar—where governance is often rooted in Islamic principles. While these societies are not without flaws, their leaders have harnessed religious teachings as frameworks for nation-building, modern infrastructure, and citizen welfare. Ironically, many of Nigeria’s military and political leaders also profess Islam, yet the application of its ethical standards in public governance is nearly non-existent. This raises a troubling question: is the practice of religion in African politics largely symbolic, devoid of actionable moral guidance?
Take China as another case study. In the last four decades, China’s leadership has lifted over 800 million people out of poverty—an unprecedented feat in human history. While authoritarian in structure, China’s model demonstrates a deep philosophical commitment to collective progress, discipline, and strategic long-term planning. In Western democracies, especially post-World War II, leaders often emerged with strong academic backgrounds in philosophy, economics, or history—disciplines that sharpen the mind and cultivate vision.
In stark contrast, African leaders—particularly in Nigeria—are more often preoccupied with short-term political survival than long-term national transformation. Their legacy is frequently one of mismanagement, unsustainable debt, and structural decay. Nigeria, for example, has accumulated foreign loans that could take generations to repay, yet there is little visible infrastructure or social development to justify such liabilities. Inflation erodes wages, and basic public services remain in collapse. This cycle repeats because those in power often lack not just technical competence, but the moral and intellectual depth to lead a modern nation.
At the heart of the crisis is a lack of philosophical inquiry. Philosophy teaches reasoning, ethics, and the nature of justice—skills that are essential for public leadership. Nigerian leaders, by and large, are disconnected from such traditions. Many have never seriously engaged with political theory, ethical discourse, or economic philosophy. Without this grounding, leadership becomes a matter of brute power, not enlightened governance.
The crisis of leadership in Africa is not solely one of corruption or bad policy—it is one of intellectual emptiness. Until African nations, especially Nigeria, begin to value and cultivate leaders who are intellectually rigorous and philosophically grounded, the continent will remain caught in cycles of poverty and poor governance. True leadership requires more than charisma or military rank—it demands the wisdom to govern a society with justice, vision, and moral clarity. Without this, the future remains perilously fragile.
♦ Dominic Ikeogu is a social and political commentator based in Minneapolis, USA.
- Houston and Owerri Community Mourn the Passing of Beloved Icon, Lawrence Mike Obinna Anozie - October 3, 2025
- Houston Gets a Taste of West Africa at Chef Kavachi’s ‘Art of Fufu’ Show, August 8 - July 30, 2025
- The Leadership Deficit: Why African Governance Lacks Philosophical Grounding - July 30, 2025
Houston and Owerri Community Mourn the Passing of Beloved Icon, Lawrence Mike Obinna Anozie
Enugu Revenue Leader Details Tax Plans, Commits to Responsible Fund Management
Houston Gets a Taste of West Africa at Chef Kavachi’s ‘Art of Fufu’ Show, August 8
Emotional Conflict: Is She Toying with Me?
Corruption at the Nigerian Consulate Atlanta – A Victim’s Nightmarish Experience
Biafra: A Scarred Past, A Tense Present
Video: Omambala Cultural Association in Houston Celebrates Motherhood with Joyous Igbo-Inspired Mother’s Day Event
VIDEO: Chris Hollins Opens Cartoon Art Showcase at TSU’s CommWeek
