Doha, (QA): The Senior Presidential Advisor on Diaspora Affairs & Ambassador at Large, H.E. Ambassador Hajji Abbey Walusimbi has cautioned Ugandan youths who are living and working in Qatar not to fall into the trap of unaccredited labour recruitment agencies if they are to avoid facing a difficult life overseas.
Ambassador Walusimbi said this on his visit to several accommodation facilities housing Ugandans in Doha, Qatar, where he discovered 54 distressed migrant workers (51 boys & 3 girls), stranded in a dilapidated building in the Industrial Area, Sanaya, Doha.
The ambassador, who was in the company of the Deputy Head of Mission in Qatar, Ambassador Kezaala Muhammad, said the group was part of the unsuspecting Ugandan youth, who continue to fall into the trap of unregistered labour recruitment agencies.
“When we reached this place, the inhabitants appeared like people, who had been resurrected. The majority of them had been there for more than 3 months and were allegedly waiting for resident permits, for which they paid an extra one million three hundred thousand shillings (1,300,000/=) upon arrival in Doha,” said Walusimbi.
“We have names of their facilitators in Uganda, some of which are registered as tours and travel companies, and we have met some of the alleged Qatar Agents, who surprisingly are Ugandans. The embassy is going to ensure that they are dealt with according,” the Ambassador added.
Mr Walusimbi further commended the people of Qatar for being hospitable and strong development partners, adding that most of the difficulties are caused by unscrupulous labour agents from Uganda.
He assured that measures are being taken to prevent further irregularities in the labour externalization sector and abuse of the rights of Ugandan migrant workers.
On his part, Deputy Ambassador Kezaala Muhammad reckoned that the Mission continues to sensitize Ugandan migrant workers on their rights, advising victims to always reach out to their first home (Mission) in Qatar, in case of any challenges faced.
A senior diplomat at the Uganda Mission in Qatar, Mr Michael Wandera, mentioned that, in recent years, the number of Ugandan migrant workers has increased in Qatar, hence thanked the State of Qatar for presenting Ugandans with ever-increasing job opportunities.
Besides, labour externalization, Ambassador Walusimbi will for the next 8 days, proceed with his working visit to Gulf countries, including Jordan and Kuwaiti. He also implored Ugandans to get in touch with the Embassy, in order to take advantage of the existing business opportunities in Qatar.
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