Amnesty International has vehemently criticized Qatar for its maltreatment of migrant workers, saying labor abuse remains unchecked in the country. The organization said that under the sponsorship (kafala) system applied by Qatar, foreign workers are required to obtain their employer's consent to change jobs or leave the country. "Such a system puts the migrant workers at the mercy of their employers," Amnesty said. "Under the sponsorship system it is all too easy for an unscrupulous employer to get away with late payment of salaries, accommodate workers in cramped housing, or threaten workers who complain about their conditions," said Amnesty. Dozens of migrant workers have died while working on Qatari building sites over the past three years, with Indian and Nepali laborers accounting for the highest number of such fatalities. Qatar has been accorded the honor of hosting the World Cup in 2022 and is racing against time to complete the required infrastructure in time for the prestigious global event.
