Qatar has set a temporary minimum wage for migrant workers worth some $ 200 a month , the authorities said on Thursday, a benchmark reform following criticism of its preparations for the 2022 World Cup. Labour Minister Issa Alnuaimi said the " Temporary minimum wage of 750 riyals per month will immediately come in to effect " while officials work on setting a permanent rate.In addition to the new salary , labourers will receive free accommodation , food and healthcare plans , covered by employers , he said. Introducing a minimum wage was among a package of major labour changes announced last month by Qatar , which has come under continued global scrutiny and criticism for its treatment of some 2 million migrant workers.
Qatar has never had an official minimum age policy , and officials said the 750 riyals figure could increase after a review. " We will not approve any employment contract if the salary is below 750 Qatari riyals per month . All contracts must now be approved by the ministry , " Mr. Nauimi said " If any change is made to the contact , we will apply the new procedures." Since being controversially chosen to host the World Cup , Qatar which is spending $ 500 million a week on the tournament has been routinely accused of forcing workers to toil in conditions critics have likened to modern day slavery.