Qatar companies uphold midday work ban

Most Qatar-based companies have complied with the summer ban on outdoor work on the first day of its implementation, officials reported. The ban, which suspends work in open areas from 11.30am to 3pm, came into effect on Wednesday across Qatar and will be in force until August 31. Companies have been warned that they could face a suspension for one month, in case they were found to violate the ban imposed to help protect the mainly unskilled labourers from exposure to the scorching summer heat. Several companies have changed their outdoor work hours to help meet the ban requirements, Qatari daily Gulf Times reported on Thursday. Reported violations on the first day were related to groups of labourers working on road expansion and in construction sites. Under new labour ministry rules to be enforced by regular inspection teams, companies have been asked to provide their workers with suitable work gear, shelters and water coolers at the worksites. Qatar has been experiencing intense summer heat from mid-May this year, with the maximum temperature recorded by the Met Office so far at 47c. However, the mercury has been staying above 42c on most days. The maximum temperature recorded on the ban implementation day was 43c. Qatar earlier this month denied reports that all Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries would impose a six-year residency cap on foreign workers. \"There is no move in Qatar towards adopting the policy not to renew work permits for foreigners who spent six years in Qatar,\" a labour ministry official said, reacting to reports that the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) would emulate the Saudi example of imposing a six-year residency cap. From / Gulf News