Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
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403. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties being faced by migrant workers trapped in both Qatar and Saudi Arabia, in view of the fact the group of countries led by Saudi Arabia and the UAE enforces sanctions against Qatar (details supplied); and if he will request the Governments of both countries to eliminate the requirement for an exit visa. [35595/17]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I am very concerned by the difficulties faced by migrant workers in both Qatar and Saudi Arabia, and I strongly deplore any abuses of workers’ rights.

In the context of the Universal Periodic Review of Qatar by the Human Rights Council in 2014, Ireland expressed concerns about widespread reports of violations of the rights of migrant workers, especially in the context of preparations for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Ireland expressed particular concerns about the Kafala system of sponsorship, and encouraged Qatar to undertake a thorough review of the regulatory regime for migrant workers, with the aim of bringing it into line with international human rights and labour standards. In addition, Ireland recommended on this occasion that Qatar abolish the ‘exit visa’ system for migrant workers. More recently, Ireland’s Ambassador to Qatar raised these issues directly with the Foreign Ministry of Qatar.

I urge the governments of Qatar and Saudi Arabia to cooperate with the UN and the International Labour Organisation, and to implement the relevant recommendations in order to improve the situation of migrant workers and their families in their respective countries.

I am not aware that difficulties faced by migrant workers under the Kafala system are linked to the ongoing diplomatic crisis in Qatar. However, the developing situation between Qatar and its neighbours remains a matter of concern, and Ireland will continue to monitor the situation, including its potential to impact on citizens, commerce and regional stability. I strongly encourage mediation to resolve the crisis in Qatar, and hope for a swift resolution.