DOHA, QATAR, JAN 12 - Qatar-based companies have agreed to hike salary scale of Nepali migrant workers as demanded by the Nepali Embassy here at a time when the dilemma of the Ministry of Labour and Transport Management (MoLTM) over the issue is not yet over.

As proposed by the embassy, the companies have agreed to pay 200 Riyal (Rs. 4,000) per month as food allowance and provide two-way air tickets to the workers.  

The embassy had sent a letter to the MoLTM informing about the salary hike that was subject to commencement from January 1. Stating that the ministry in Nepal did not respond, the embassy certified the new salary scale. Though the ministry officials have raised issues that the new salary scale could affect the labour market, companies here have agreed and certified the new scale.

According to the embassy, three companies that have agreed to pay salary as per the new scale and provide two-way air tickets have also demanded 125 workers from Nepal. The companies have demanded 77 unskilled and 48 semi-skilled work forces.

For the unskilled workers, the salary has been fixed at a minimum of 600 Riyal (Rs. 12,000) plus food allowance of 200 Riyal. Similarly, semi-skilled workers will now get a minimum salary of 800 Riyal (Rs.16,000) including food allowance of 200 riyal.

The demand letter has also clearly mentioned that the companies will provide free two-way air tickets to the workers of both categories. "The companies have submitted their demand letter accepting to pay the new salary scale," said Nepali Ambassador to Qatar Surya Nath Mishra.

An employee at the embassy said that some companies had also given assurance to hike the salary of incumbent workers. "How can a worker pay his loan, run house and manage his living with just 600 Riyal," said Mishra. "That's why we have asked for food allowance." Appreciating the move, a Qatar-based company run by a Nepali urged the embassy to be cautious as well whether it affects the labour market. Nepali community and professionals here have also welcomed the decision expecting that the new provision will help increase remittance inflow in the country.

Dev Kaji Dangol, who owns a business in Qatar for last 17 years, said, "It is good to demand food allowance but we should also think whether it has any negative impact on the demand of workers at a time of economic slump."

Even though the embassy recommended salary hike citing various reasons, the salary scale of Nepali workers is far below than that the workers from other countries draw here. Indian and Pakistani workers receive a minimum of 1,000 Riyal (Rs. 20,000) per month in Qatar. Similarly, Sri Lankan and Bangladeshis are drawing around 900 Riyal (Rs.18,000). The Pilipino receive 1,400 Riyal (Rs. 28,000) per month. In Gulf countries, Nepal is considered as a supplier of cheap workforce.

 

Posted on: 2010-01-15 05:44

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