Qatar 2022 World Cup workers ‘slaves’ - report

Qatar 2022 World Cup organisers say they are “appalled” at the findings of an investigation into the treatment of migrant workers in the country.

Qatar's Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, centre, after winning the right to host the 2022 World Cup in 2010. Picture: Getty

The Guardian has produced a report and video alleging that Nepalese workers in Qatar “face exploitation and abuses that amount to modern-day slavery”.

The Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee said while construction directly related to the World Cup had yet to start it was committed to providing proper treatment for workers.

A statement said: “Like everyone viewing the video and images, and reading the accompanying texts, we are appalled by the findings presented in The Guardian’s report.

“There is no excuse for any worker in Qatar, or anywhere else, to be treated in this manner.

“The health, safety, well-being and dignity of every worker that contributes to staging the 2022 FIFA World Cup is of the utmost importance to our committee and we are committed to ensuring that the event serves as a catalyst toward creating sustainable improvements to the lives of all workers in Qatar.”

The statement said that the Qatari government is conducting an investigation into the allegations.

It added: “We firmly believe that all workers engaged on our projects, and those of the other infrastructure developers in Qatar, have a right to be treated in a manner that ensures at all times their wellbeing, safety, security, and dignity.

“This is our top priority as we begin to deliver on the promises made in our bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.”