Months after the 2022 World Cup, questions linger amid new allegations over the treatment of migrant workers by tournament organizers.
Around 200 security workers were deported in January for participating in a protest calling for better pay and working conditions, according to Reuters. Workers from Kenya, India, Pakistan, and Nepal were fired on the last day of the tournament.
Reports leading up to the tournament documented poor living conditions for migrant workers, construction jobs that required long hours in temperatures over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and an inability to legally quit or transfer jobs without employers’ permission.
One recruiting company, Stark Security — which reportedly fired at least 38 security guards – will face penalties for ignoring a month-long paid-notice period, per Qatar’s media office.
Having built seven new stadiums for the 2022 World Cup, Qatar is seeking to host other big events including the 2036 Summer Olympics. The country is using the World Cup to showcase its ability to host events of that scale after failing bids for the 2016, 2020, and 2032 Summer Games.
Like the World Cup, the event would have to be shifted to later in the year due to Qatar’s scorching summer temperatures.
While the country is bidding alone, speculation has lingered that it will be asked to form a joint bid with Saudi Arabia, which has also targeted major international sporting events.
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