The small Middle Eastern nation of Qatar was selected as the host country for the upcoming 2022 FIFA World Cup. As a result of this decision for Qatar to be the host nation, the country began construction of new stadiums and other facilities in order to accommodate an international sporting event of this size and scope. However, the majority of the work force that has been employed to construct these new buildings consists primarily of migrant workers. Since construction of this new infrastructure has begun, many reports have surfaced of workers facing appalling working conditions. Many of these migrants workers have also been forcibly trapped in the country due to their employer's confiscation of visas. In a cruel twist of fate, the large majority of migrant workers who traveled to Qatar in hopes of finding work opportunity have now effectively become slaves to the various construction companies who exploit their status as foreigners for cheap labor.
One might compare this exploitation of migrant workers back to the period of the Transcontinental Railroad's construction. The United States similarly employed many immigrants such as the Chinese and Irish in order to finish construction of the railroad. These immigrant railroad workers often faced poor living conditions, low wages, and long hours. Once the railroad was complete however, these immigrants also faced discrimination from Americans who saw them as competition for jobs. The situation in Qatar could also be compared to the Middle Passage, where African-Americans were forcibly relocated and sold into slavery. Though the workers in Qatar were not forcibly relocated, many were deceived into traveling to the country and now experience arduous working conditions that are in violation of human rights.
Great post! I find it unbelievable that these workers Visas are able to be confiscated. It literally leaves them trapped with no other option but to suffer through their work. It is hard to believe that although moments in history like the building of the Transcontinental Railroad and the Middle Passage have passed, problems such as horrendous working conditions and the slave-like treatment of humans still exists. In my opinion and as far as the US goes, we should be grateful for workers willing to leave their own countries and homes to come and work whether or not it is because they wish to achieve the "American dream". That is another concept that has changed so drastically over time. The idea of coming to the US for a better life and for this "dream" is so farfetched and unrealistic nowadays. The same can be said for these immigrants that travelled to Qatar, hoping to find work and build themselves a better life.
ReplyDeleteNice post! This serves as a great comparison to the transcontinental railroad. It is saddening to see that migrant workers, merely searching for means to provide for their families, have to face conditions of these sorts. As stated in the previous comment, i too find it hard to believe that although times of harsh labor conditions such as the construction of the transcontinental railroad have passed, workers around the world still face these unfair conditions that are absolutely violation of human rights.
ReplyDeleteGreat read. Its terrible what happens to these people, especially when you consider the fact that like the Olympics, this stadium for FIFA Cup will most likely never be used again. Simply a waste of resources and money.
ReplyDeleteSean, thank you for taking over the head coach position of the Buffalo Bills. Really nice to see you on blogger. LOL! GO BILLS
DeleteGreat post, its unfortunate that these things are still going on. I have to question the choice to host such a sporting event in a country. After Brazil's Olympics I would have thought the international sports community would have learned what can happen when forcing undeveloped/ underdeveloped countries to create the infrastructure necessary to house such an event.
ReplyDeleteWow... This is something that you would never expect to happen, especially because they are constructing for the "World Cup". I wonder if any other countries are stepping in to do something about this. If not, the United States really should work to get these workers the rights back that should've never been taken away from them in the first place.
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ReplyDeleteWell said.. I can't believe things like this are even still an issue. It really is unfortunate that these migrant workers were misled. It's so unacceptable.. you'd think that violating human rights would not be a thing today, or really ever and still it's ongoing. :(
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