Qatar downgraded to ‘extreme risk’ for working conditions

Qatar, the 2022 World Cup host, is among 11 countries to be downgraded to ‘extreme risk’ for working conditions, due to the multiple deaths of migrant workers on construction sites for the sporting competition, according to a new global index by risk analysis company Maplecroft.

Brazil, host of this year’s World Cup, meanwhile, has made significant improvements to its working conditions over the last year and climbs 19 places in the ranking.

The number of countries rated as ‘extreme risk’ in Maplecroft’s 7th annual Working Conditions Index (WCI), which evaluates 197 countries on their minimum wage levels, working hours, and health and safety in the workplace, rose over 20%, from 49 to 60, between 2013 and 2014. This signifies a worsening global landscape for workers, especially migrants, relating to wider labour related issues, including trafficking and forced and bonded labour.

Of the 11 countries that fell from ‘high’ to ‘extreme risk’ in the Index, Nigeria saw the biggest increase in risk. Widespread health and safety violations and a minimum wage two-thirds below subsistence levels resulted in a fall from 77th to 44th in the ranking (where 1st is most at risk). Egypt dropped 29 places to 26th, Qatar went from 60th to 32rd and Yemen 72nd to 42nd. Comoros (39th), Madagascar (50th), Peru (54th), Kenya (55th), Tanzania (56th), Georgia (59th) and Bolivia (60th) fell between 17 and 8 places in the Index.