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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 >>>
On July 25, 2026, families from across Houston will gather at the West Oaks Mall on 1000 West Oaks, Houston, to celebrate a milestone that extends far beyond food, music, and entertainment. The 10th Anniversary of the Wazobia Family Funfair represents a decade-long journey of community building, cultural preservation, entrepreneurship, and family-centered engagement.
What began as a customer appreciation initiative has evolved into one of the most recognizable African community events in Texas. For ten years, the Funfair has provided a space where families reconnect with culture, children experience heritage, entrepreneurs build relationships, and communities strengthen the bonds that define them.
The story of the anniversary begins with the story of Wazobia itself. Founded in 2013 by entrepreneur Tunde Fashina, Wazobia was created with a vision that stretched beyond commerce. According to Fashina, the goal was never simply to sell products.
FASHINA, OHAZURIKE: For Fashina, leadership carries responsibility. “The feeling is fantastic because you’ve achieved something,” he explained. “But it is also frightening because every decision affects many people.” He added: “The higher you are in an organization, the more people are affected by your decisions.” Those values influence the company’s culture and community engagement efforts.
“The emphasis was not more on getting the products,” he explained. “The emphasis was on creating a feeling of belonging to the customer, so that they feel at home any time they come to our place.”
That philosophy became the foundation of the business. Fashina spent nearly two years developing the business plan. The challenge was enormous. He had limited financial resources and relied heavily on relationships, determination, and faith.
“The business plan had to involve getting this business up with absolutely no money, because I didn’t have any,” he recalled.
The early years tested every aspect of his resolve. He performed multiple roles simultaneously.
“I was a cleaner. I was a restocker. I was a cashier. I did all the work,” he said. “I slept in the shop throughout for almost 18 months because I was working around the clock.”
Despite the challenges, growth came quickly.
“God showed up in ways that I could not describe,” Fashina said. “People started coming in little by little, and the growth rate exceeded everything in the business plan.”
Yet even as the company expanded, community remained central to the mission. “We created a sub-plan,” he explained. “How do we give back to those who built us? How do we let our customers know that we appreciate them?”
The answer became what is now known as the Wazobia Family Funfair.
Over the years, the event evolved from a modest appreciation day into a major annual celebration featuring cultural performances, African music, dance, games, food vendors, business showcases, and family activities.
For Paula Ohazurike, Project Manager at Wazobia, the event represents much more than an annual gathering. Her experience since she joined Wazobia reflects a recurring theme in conversations with employees and customers: Wazobia is viewed not merely as a business but as a community institution.
That philosophy is visible in the Family Funfair. The event creates a rare space where generations come together. Children born in America are introduced to African traditions through music, dance, language, fashion, and food. Parents and grandparents reconnect with memories of home while sharing those experiences with younger family members.
In a city as diverse as Houston, such gatherings carry significant cultural value. Houston is home to one of the largest African immigrant populations in the United States. Yet many families often struggle to maintain cultural connections while navigating modern American life. Events like the Wazobia Family Funfair help bridge that gap.
The significance of the Funfair extends beyond cultural preservation. It serves as a platform for economic empowerment. Small businesses, vendors, artists, and service providers use the event to connect with potential customers. Community organizations engage residents. Entrepreneurs build networks. Relationships formed during the event often extend throughout the year.
According to Ohazurike, the event has become one of the most effective community-engagement platforms within Houston’s African diaspora. The atmosphere itself reflects the spirit of family. Children enjoy games, bounce houses, and face painting. Families participate in contests and group activities. Music fills the air. Food vendors showcase culinary traditions from across Africa.
The result is an experience that feels both festive and deeply personal. Fashina believes that sense of belonging remains the event’s greatest achievement. “There is no reason for us not to provide an environment that people can be proud of,” he said. “A place where they can bring their friends and enjoy themselves.”
That vision continues to guide the organization. Today, Wazobia has expanded significantly, operating multiple locations and employing approximately 250 people. “It is something we are immensely proud of,” Fashina noted. “But this is only the beginning.” Growth, however, is measured by more than financial success.
For Fashina, leadership carries responsibility. “The feeling is fantastic because you’ve achieved something,” he explained. “But it is also frightening because every decision affects many people.” He added: “The higher you are in an organization, the more people are affected by your decisions.” Those values influence the company’s culture and community engagement efforts.
The Family Funfair embodies that philosophy by bringing people together in ways that strengthen relationships and encourage collective progress. Perhaps that is why the event has endured for ten years. Many community events emerge with enthusiasm but struggle to survive. Sustaining a large-scale annual celebration requires trust, consistency, and a genuine commitment to service. The Wazobia Family Funfair has achieved that longevity because it has remained focused on people.
Over the past decade, families have returned year after year. Children who attended the first Funfair now return as young adults. New immigrants have found friendships and support systems. Businesses have launched partnerships. Countless memories have been created.
The anniversary therefore represents more than a milestone date on a calendar; it represents ten years of shared experiences; ten years of preserving culture; ten years of supporting businesses; ten years of strengthening families; and ten years of building community.
As Houston prepares for the 2026 celebration, organizers are looking toward the future while honoring the past. For Ohazurike, the mission remains simple. “We want people to feel welcome,” she said. “We want families to come together and create memories.”
For Fashina, the broader vision remains rooted in possibility. “We can do it,” he said. “We just have to have a goal in mind and take it one step at a time.”
Those words capture the spirit of the Wazobia Family Funfair. At its heart, the event is not simply a festival. It is a living expression of community resilience, cultural pride, and family unity. It demonstrates how a business can become a community anchor. It illustrates how relationships can create opportunities. It reminds us that culture thrives when it is shared. Ten years after its inception, the Wazobia Family Funfair continues to embody the meaning of its name—an invitation for everyone to come together.
In a world increasingly defined by division and isolation, that invitation may be more important than ever. And as families gather once again this July, they will celebrate more than an anniversary. They will celebrate a decade of belonging.
Young Nigerians have shown a remarkable ability to create waves in the digital space. With a single click, they can expose a politician’s corruption, rally tens of thousands of supporters behind a single hashtag, and keep every political actor on edge from dawn until dusk. However, as the 2027 general elections draw closer, it is time to face an uncomfortable truth: loud online noise isn’t the same as real power in the political sphere. If Nigerian youth wish to get the best possible leadership from their nation’s leaders, they need to take their online activity offline (i.e., to places where actual democracy occurs) and start showing up to cast votes.
There is simply too much evidence to ignore that this needs to occur. Nigeria is a young country demographically. Together, Gen Z and Millennials comprise approximately half of the total population—50.1 percent—according to IntelPoint. Gen Z makes up 25.8 percent and Millennials account for 24.3 percent. When we consider Gen Alpha, the percentage rises to 85.7% of the population under 44. According to ActionAid Nigeria, more than 60% of Nigeria’s population is under 30. According to Afrobarometer, Nigeria has a median age of 18.1 years, and 58% of its population is aged 0-29. Therefore, Nigeria isn’t merely a young country; it is a country dominated by young people.
Based on this information, this dominant demographic should wield considerable political influence. Unfortunately, there often appears to be little correlation between these statistics and political influence. The contrast is striking. While a majority of Nigeria’s population is young, there remains a significant gap between how influential young people are politically and how influential they could be. This lack of influence is not due to a lack of ability among young people; rather, it stems from many young people stopping short of completing what is often called the “civic journey,” which involves moving from awareness to action. They consume politics, engage in political debate on social media, participate in meme politics, and express frustration with politics through social media rants; however, many young people still fail to register to vote (PVCs) or participate in elections in sufficient numbers to affect the outcome.
This disparity is important because youth dissatisfaction is far from abstract. More than 23% of Nigerian youth report being unemployed or seeking employment, according to Afrobarometer. Additionally, more than two-thirds of youth aged 18 to 35 report having some form of postsecondary or secondary-level education. Despite Nigeria ranking among the lowest in providing employment and opportunities for youth, and despite identifying high costs of living, unemployment, crime and security concerns, poverty, poor economic management practices, and insufficient access to electricity as the top five issues requiring immediate attention from government officials, youth dissatisfaction cannot be considered indifferent. Rather, youth dissatisfaction reflects citizens’ grievances and legitimate reasons to be deeply interested in who governs their country.
However, mere interest alone will not suffice. Democracy does not reward passion without participation. A young person can identify every weakness inherent in a political system; however, unless that person participates by casting a vote, they will remain a spectator to their own future. If you are mature enough to understand concepts such as inflation, insecurity, broken campaign promises, unemployment rates, and poorly managed governance systems, you are mature enough to accept responsibility for your role in creating solutions to those problems. That responsibility begins with voting.
In addition to continuing to use social media to raise awareness of voter registration, election knowledge, fact-checking mechanisms used during elections, and peaceful participation methods, social media can also serve as a vehicle for facilitating the transition from social media activism to actual civic engagement. Young Nigerians should leverage their social media presence to encourage voter registration, promote election literacy programs, provide fact-checking services to counter election misinformation, and advocate for nonviolent participation throughout the electoral cycle. They should convert their social media timelines into civic classrooms. Where can I find the information I need about voter registration processes? Where is my assigned polling station located? Where do I receive my Permanent Voter Card? How do I protect myself from spreading misinformation? How do I properly monitor election results? These are not dull topics; they represent essential tools required for surviving democracy.
Youth organizations, creators, and social media entities can also help facilitate offline civic engagement. Use your WhatsApp groups to alert others as registration deadlines approach. Use X Spaces and Instagram Live to focus on discussing relevant issues rather than hurling insults. Use TikTok to simplify the voting process. Use Facebook to motivate family members and first-time voters to participate in elections. Use whatever platforms are available to make civic obligation contagious. Nigeria’s youth have shown they can create viral content. Now they must begin to generate participation on a viral scale.
One of the most damaging myths in Nigerian politics is that “your vote doesn’t matter.” It is a self-fulfilling prophecy that only serves the interests of cynics, crooks, and machines whose success depends solely on low turnout. Yes, Nigeria’s electoral process has flaws. Yes, there have been numerous disappointments. However, the response to a flawed democracy is not abandonment; it is increased participation. By staying home on Election Day, youth essentially give their votes — and therefore control — directly to the very same groups they loathe.
Another mythological excuse for the youth’s failure to vote in Nigeria is the claim that “all politicians are alike.” No — they’re not all the same. While some politicians are inept, others are corrupt, and others exhibit both characteristics, democracy is not about seeking holy men or women; it is about making selections and enforcing accountability. An individual who refuses to make a selection for office because none of the options appear acceptable is ultimately selecting the candidate most likely to emerge victorious by default.
Nigeria’s youth already constitute the country’s largest demographic group. It is time for them to become its strongest democratic force as well. However, that will not be achieved by trending hashtags alone. Instead, it will be achieved when online energy is harnessed and directed toward political organization, civic education, voter registration, increasing voter turnout, and holding elected representatives accountable after elections.
The 2023 election saw remarkable youth participation but lacked follow-up. Therefore, the 2027 election should not produce another generation of disillusioned observers; instead, it should yield a new generation of participatory citizens. Let online flames ignite electoral power. Let debates become ballots. Let criticism evolve into participation. If Nigerian youth can dominate social media, they can also dominate democracy. The future will not be handed to them in a retweet. They must elect it into existence.
_________
♦ Chris Ulasi is on the Editorial Board of The West African Pilot News. He contributes stories about culture and tradition, elite politics, ethnicity and national integration, civil society, and social movement. He is a university professor, community builder, poet, film producer, recording the emergent Nollywood cultural history through film.
Education
TSU’s CommWeek Positions School of Communication at the Forefront of AI, Innovation, and Student Success
HOUSTON, TX — Texas Southern University’s School of Communication is set to host its 44th Annual Media and Communication Conference (CommWeek 2026) from April 6–10 at the Martin Luther King Jr. Building, bringing together a dynamic mix of scholars, students, industry professionals, and civic leaders to examine the future of media in an increasingly digital and AI-driven world.
Widely regarded as one of the School’s signature academic and professional events, CommWeek has evolved into a powerful platform for intellectual exchange, industry engagement, and student-centered learning. This year’s theme, “Beyond the Algorithm: Reimagining Media, Learning & Innovation with AI,” reflects the growing influence of artificial intelligence across journalism, entertainment, digital storytelling, and communication education.
Throughout the week, participants will engage in a series of panels, workshops, masterclasses, and networking sessions designed to explore how emerging technologies are reshaping media ecosystems. Discussions will address critical topics such as AI-driven content creation, ethical considerations in automated communication, evolving media business models, and the future of audience engagement.
According to Interim Dean Dr. Alan K. Caldwell, CommWeek represents a strategic opportunity to elevate the School’s academic and professional profile.
“Communication Week represents more than a conference; it is a powerful platform to strengthen the School of Communication’s brand, showcase the excellence of our students and faculty, and highlight the innovative work happening across our programs,” Caldwell said. “By bringing together industry leaders, scholars, and alumni, we create collaborative connections that position our school as a hub for forward-thinking communication education.”
Conference Chair Dr. Anthony Obi Ogbo (left) and Interim Dean Dr. Alan K. Caldwell: CommWeek has evolved into a powerful platform for intellectual exchange, industry engagement, and student-centered learning.
In addition to its academic significance, CommWeek plays a vital role in advancing student success. A key highlight of the conference is the Dean’s Banquet and Scholarship Awards, which raises funds to support academically talented and financially underserved students. These scholarships help reduce financial barriers, cover tuition and educational resources, and improve student retention and graduation outcomes.
For Conference Chair Dr. Anthony Obi Ogbo, CommWeek 2026 represents both a continuation of tradition and a bold step toward the future of communication education.
“CommWeek is where scholarship meets practice and where innovation becomes accessible,” Ogbo said. “This conference is not only about examining the future of media—it is about preparing our students to lead it. By integrating academic rigor with industry insight, we are building a platform that empowers our students, strengthens our institutional identity, and fosters meaningful collaborations that extend far beyond the classroom.”
The conference also emphasizes experiential learning, offering students direct access to industry professionals, hands-on workshops, and career development opportunities. These interactions provide invaluable exposure to real-world practices and help bridge the gap between academic training and professional application.
As a historically Black university with a long-standing commitment to cultural responsiveness and community impact, Texas Southern University continues to position its School of Communication as a leader in preparing students for both local and global media landscapes. CommWeek reinforces this mission by creating an inclusive space where diverse voices, perspectives, and ideas can thrive.
Open to students, alumni, and the broader community, CommWeek 2026 is free to attend and serves as a testament to TSU’s commitment to accessibility, innovation, and academic excellence.
For more information and the full conference schedule, visit www.soc-commweek.com.
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