The number of Ugandan migrant workers traveling to Qatar has increased drastically in the last two years as the country prepares to host the FIFA World Cup at the end of the year. In 2019, 256 Ugandans departed for work in Qatar.
However, the number more than doubled to 1,148 in 2020 and 4,136 last year. Hillary Talemwa, the head of Labour Externalization in the Ministry of Gender and Social Development attributes the increase to the high demand for labor in Qatar for the pre-event activities, and during and after the tournament.
Talemwa says that 1,959 Ugandans left the country for Qatar between January and April this year. April posted the highest number with 821 workers up from 504 in March, 324 in February, and 320 in January while 340 have so far left this month.
Fred Bamwesigye Kanyangoga, the Executive Director of the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority-UCAA, says an average of 3,500 to 3,700 Passengers traveled through Entebbe International Airport between January and March this year daily. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak in 2020, the airport used to handle an average of 5,000 passengers daily.
“Most of the Ugandans are working in Qatar as security guards, cleaners, laborers, technicians, warehouse keepers, carpenters, supermarket attendants, construction supervisors, and service crew,” Talemwa said.
Adding that “As the World Cup draws nearer, the number of Ugandans flocking to Qatar could increase the more because it is a big event that attracts a large number of fans and tourists.” The Arab country won the bid to host the biggest football event in 2010. This is the first time an Arab country will be hosting the FIFA World Cup.
Qatar has since built 7 additional stadia, another airport,, and new metro and roads connecting the stadia to hotels and airports among other projects. The BBC estimates that close to 30,000 migrant workers are on the various project sites in Qatar.
The country will host over 1.2 million visitors during the tournament, which will run from November 21 to December 18, 2022. World Cup tickets will cost a minimum of USD302 on an opening day and over USD1,607 on the finale.
Ronnie Mukundane, the Spokesperson of the Uganda Association for External Recruitment Agencies-UAERA, says that the over 200 labor export companies are not very keen on recruiting migrant workers to Qatar because of the need for the two governments to activate a bilateral labor agreement.
He however says it is expected that migrant workers will flock to Qatar ahead of the World cup. Qatar set the minimum wage at USD 275 in March 2021.
However, while migrant workers have been important in Qatar’s preparations for the World Cup, the country has been criticized for failing to address their concerns.
International media reports show that over 1,000 migrant workers, mostly those used for the construction of the stadia, new metro, and roads have died while hundreds have got injured or fallen sick resulting from the poor working conditions such as long working hours, and lack of safety gear delayed or non-payment of wages.
About the 2022 World Cup
Senegal will play against the Netherlands in the first game. This will be the 22nd edition of the tournament comprising 32 teams. The next edition, to be hosted by the United States of America, Canada, and Mexico in 2026 will involve 48 teams.