Multitudes of Afghans vie for employment opportunities in Qatar
In a bid to combat unemployment and poverty within Afghanistan, the Taliban authorities have announced a deal with Qatar to recruit 3,100 Afghan workers. This initiative comes amidst a historic economic crisis, high unemployment rates, and widespread poverty in the country.
The jobs, which range from bus drivers and cleaners to cooks, mechanics, and electricians, are expected to attract a significant number of applicants. Over 15,500 people are expected to register nationwide for these opportunities, with more than 8,500 people from Kabul and surrounding provinces having already applied by Wednesday.
However, the recruitment process has been hindered by overcrowding and poor organization at registration centres across Afghanistan. The Taliban authorities have pledged to safeguard the rights of Afghan recruits, but details on housing or workplace conditions have yet to be disclosed.
This announcement follows Qatar's dismantling of its "kafala" labor system, which previously gave employers powerful rights over whether workers could leave their jobs or even the country. Qatar has also introduced major reforms to improve workers' safety and punish employers who violate the rules.
Despite these efforts, Qatar has faced heavy criticism over the treatment of migrant laborers, particularly during construction leading up to hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Human rights organizations have warned that migrant workers in Gulf countries often face harsh working conditions, limited legal protections, and risk exploitation.
Mohammad Qasim, a job applicant in Kandahar, expressed gratitude to Qatar and asked other Arab countries to hire Afghan workers. He earned a university degree in education four years ago but has been unemployed since. Mohammad stated that he would rather work in Afghanistan but is unemployed and plans to go to Qatar for work. He applied to be a cleaner at a center in Kandahar, stating that at least in Qatar, he will earn something.
Noor Mohammad, a job applicant in Herat, echoed Mohammad's sentiments, expressing gratitude to Qatar and asking other Arab countries to hire Afghan workers.
Discussions are underway with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Turkey, and Russia to set up similar deals. As the Taliban authorities continue to navigate the economic challenges facing Afghanistan, these job opportunities could provide a much-needed lifeline for many Afghan workers.
[1] Source: Al Jazeera [2] Source: Reuters [3] Source: Associated Press [4] Source: BBC News
- The unexpected new job openings in sports, politics, and general-news industries, as a result of the growing international interest following the Taliban's rule, could potentially offer alternative career paths for skilled and educated individuals like Mohammad Qasim, who may not find suitable employment in their field of expertise under the current economic conditions.
- Amidst the contentious discussions about the treatment of migrant workers in the Gulf states, particularly in sports and education sectors, it is crucial for the Taliban authorities to ensure that the rights and conditions of Afghan workers, such as those expressed by Noor Mohammad, are safeguarded, as their employment in these countries can significantly impact Afghanistan's cultural and economic landscape.
- While internationally, there is increasing focus on sports reform and efforts to improve labor standards for migrant workers in response to past conflicts and controversies, the Taliban's global political image will significantly benefit from successfully addressing these issues within their own country and providing a positive and stable work environment for Afghan workers seeking opportunities in sports, education, culture, and other sectors.
