Qatar is planning a shake-up of its labour laws which could see its sponsorship and exit permit system amended or cancelled.

According to the official Qatar News Agency, the country's Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani said that the State of Qatar, said that measures were being taken to improve conditions for expat workers, which includes the provision of modern worker accommdation and advanced legislative systems that protect workers' rights.

He added that Qatar's Ministry of Labour and Social Afffairs was also working on amendments to the labour law that would see it conform with international labour standards, including the introduction of a Wage Protection System that could see firms pay money directly into workers' accounts.

A high-level delegation from the International Labour Organisation had visited Qatar for a three-day period last month to discuss ways of co-operation, and that a three-year "technical co-operation" had been agreed upon.

Meanwhile, The Peninsula reported comments made by a senior official from the Ministry of Interio which indicated that changes to the sponsorship law could be introduced soon.

Brigardier Nasser Mohammed Al Sayed was reported as telling an Arabic newspaper that changes would be in the interest both of national sponsors and expatriate workers.

“Regarding cancellation of sponsorship and exit permit system, I can say that soon there will be good news for all citizens and expatriates and it will be for the benefit of both the parties,” he said.

“The expected changes in the law will make everyone happy. If there is a necessity to cancel the sponsorship or exit permit system and replace it with another system, we will not hesitate,” said Al Sayed.