12 recruitment bureaus in Kenya are facing closure as Qatar seeks to shield migrant workers from poor working conditions in the Gulf state.
The closed employment bureaus can no longer hire or seal contracts with workers as Qatar has revoked all their licenses.
Among the agencies suspended by the Qatari Minister for Labour and Social Services, Ali bin Samikh Al Marri included Starch, Anand, Sunrise, Dubai, Frame, Al Adam, Absher, Al Methaq, Resala, Altaaon, and Althabat.
Bin Samikh noted that the Qatari government was hell-bent on ensuring better treatment of immigrant workers in the Gulf state.
The move follows a meeting between Kenya’s trade union boss Francis Atwoli and Qatar’s labour minister Ali bin Samikh Al Marri in Doha on Sunday
“The minister noted that they are currently in the process of cancelling the operations of Kenyan-owned employment agencies. At least 12 licenses have been cancelled so far,” Mr. Atwoli was quoted as saying.
According to Qatar, It is looking forward to safeguarding the rights of the employers of migrant workers.
The Central Organization of Trade Unions, asked for better working conditions for migrants.