With Qatar all set to host the FIFA World Cup, prominent members of different communities in the country have extended full support in making the event a huge success. Speaking to
Gulf Times, they have also lauded the welfare and development measures adopted by the Qatar government, including the steps taken with regard to labour reforms, stressing how expatriates from around the world – and their families – have benefited from these.
* Dr Mohan Thomas, president of the Indian Sports Centre and a prominent physicianBeing an expatriate in the country for the past 39 years, with three generations of my family in the country, I would only say that we have Qatar as our home, rather than our second home away from home.
This geographically small country is filled with people who have enormous hearts, who have welcomed all nationalities into their country and made them feel like their own.The country, though modernised, is tradition-bound and rich in cultural heritage.This is the perfect blend to form a fertile environment for raising a family.The State has taken maximum care and given attention to all aspects of expatriate lives.There has never been a problem to them, only solutions.During the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, when as a community, we were seeking assistance from the authorities for various problems we were facing, they had just one statement: Don’t bring us the problems, bring us what solutions can be made to solve your problems.”
| Indian community continues to flourish under State patronage: envoy Indian ambassador to Qatar Dr Deepak Mittal has highlighted the deep-rooted Qatar-India ties and thanked Qatar for looking after the wellbeing of Indians in the country. "The Indian community in Qatar has been an active part of the socio-economic life in Qatar for centuries,” he said in a statement. “Indians have been integral to the pearl trade, the dhows and in modern times the development story of Qatar.” “We deeply appreciate the patronage provide by His Highness the Amir, His Highness the Father Amir, members of the Royal Family, and the government of the State of Qatar to members of the Indian community and looking after their welfare and wellbeing," he added. "It is a matter of pride to hear wonderful words of praise for the hard work, commitment and law-abiding nature of members of the Indian community in Qatar, from senior leadership of the country,” Dr Mittal said. “No one can forget the special care and attention given to all expatriate communities in Qatar, especially during the trying times of the Covid-19 pandemic.” “There is no doubt that the expatriate Indian community continues to flourish under State patronage and are making tremendous contributions to nation-building and constitute a living bridge between India and Qatar," the envoy added. |
Once solutions were suggested, they were implemented at the quickest possible ways to sort things out.Each of the issues we took up to the authorities were sorted and implemented within the limits of law.I have also had many such experiences in the past where I had to communicate with the authorities, as a representative of the largest expatriate community in Qatar, the Indian community.They have always been warm and approachable, and ready to assist at any hour.We are a wide expatriate diaspora covering around 135 nationalities, living in unity and harmony.We are standing together along with our host country to welcome the most prestigious football event of the world, the FIFA World Cup 2022, to Qatar.Together we share the dream of making this World Cup the biggest extravaganza the world has ever seen, as our “Qatar always deserves the best”.Qatar has assured that every one of its residents lives a quality life and has bestowed everything possible in its capacity for it, and shall continue to do the same.We salute the country and our fellow Qatari friends for their efforts and achievements and thank them from the bottom of our hearts.Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
* Manikantan A P, former president of the Indian Cultural CentreHumanity is at the core of every action and policy of Qatar, and it has been proven time and again through Qatar’s approach to any crisis that the world faces.
During the time of Covid-19, Qatar was at the forefront, not only to protect citizens and expatriates in the country, but also offered assistance to several countries around the globe.It took great care of the population in the country irrespective of whether they were citizens or expatriates.We are all grateful to the wise leadership of the country, especially His Highness the Amir, for guiding the nation and helping the residents of the country lead a quality life.Another aspect is the advancements Qatar has made in healthcare with the most modern treatment options, which are provided equally to the entire population of the country.This is something very remarkable, and the government has taken extra efforts to ensure that all are given these facilities equally.The measures initiated by the country to protect the rights of labourers as well as the excellent working conditions are praiseworthy.Expatriates in the country really feel at home and, in turn, it benefits them and their families back home.
* Abdulla Poyil, engineer and Indian Cultural Centre Youth Wing MC memberWhile working as an engineer as well as doing social work, Qatar has helped me gain professional experience, build personal relationships and fulfill my life ambitions.I am fortunate to be a part of some of the biggest and most innovative projects right from the start, like Lusail City, home to Lusail Stadium that will host the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 final.
* Riyaz Ahmed Bakali, Pakistan Engineers Forum Qatar presidentQatar is the true reflection of a welfare state where residents, visitors and tourists are taken care of very well.
The rich infrastructure of Qatar, along with its safety, security and communication systems, is lending great support to citizens as well as residents.The residents are beneficiaries of the country’s education and medical sectors and the infrastructure system.They are enjoying the benefits of a safe and secure environment while making use of the progress and economic growth of the country.These altogether make Qatar a destination for tourists and visitors.
* Carolyn A Camarao, chapter president, United Architects of the Philippines – Qatar Chapter (FY 2022-2023)The State of Qatar has been playing a significant role in our lives in Doha.The opportunity to work here and maintain a stable career in the country serves as a blessing to the many overseas Filipino workers living in Qatar and to their families back in the Philippines.As a FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 volunteer, I was given the opportunity to give back to this country by participating in this once-in-a-lifetime event with pride and integrity on behalf of my fellow architects in the Filipino community.
* Ressie S Fos, project manager/community leaderQatar has been a second home to my family and me, and to the more than 235,000 Filipino migrant workers, whose families back in the Philippines are, likewise, benefiting from the benevolence of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani in many forms, including the country’s world-class infrastructure and facilities, security and safety, an abundance of social and economic needs, and excellent healthcare services, on top of the salaries we receive from our respective companies.I am proud to say that Qatar is among the best countries to work and live in.
* Mohamed Muktda Musalman, president, Non-Resident Nepali Association National Co-ordinating Council – QatarMuch attention is paid towards the expatriate communities in Qatar through various welfare measures.The authorities are taking effort to keep relations between Qatar and the communities intact.
The government is showing much interest in ensuring the welfare of all.It is undeniable that Qatar has so far soared in various welfare schemes and wage reforms for expatriates.Such steps tempt us to do more for the community and we are thankful for what the government is doing for us.Even with regard to labourers who have returned to Nepal after earning money in Qatar, many Nepalis have become very dependent on the skills learned in Qatar.I would like to thank Qatar from the bottom of my heart for providing employment to youths who are unemployed in Nepal.
* Anwar Hossain Akon, president, Bangladesh Community QatarSome of our senior Bangladeshi citizens have been in Qatar for more than 50 years.Personally, I have been here for 36 years.
So, it is very much proven and clear that Qatar has been taking care of us very well, and to our great satisfaction.We, along with our family members here or back home, are grateful to the Qatar government for its humane and friendly attitude to all communities.During Covid-19, we noticed how Qatar was so serious about providing treatment to expatriates equally along with locals.Long live Qatar.Long live the Bangladesh-Qatar friendship.Qatar deserves the best.Wish to have a successful FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.