Afghanistan, Qatar Discuss Expansion of Labor Cooperation
As part of ongoing efforts to expand job opportunities for Afghan citizens abroad, a key meeting in Doha is seen as a potential starting point for a new phase of labor cooperation between Afghanistan and Qatar.
Mohammad Suhail Shaheen, acting ambassador of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan in Doha, met with Abdulhadi Bakhit Burqan, head of the “Jusour” company affiliated with Qatar’s Ministry of Labor.
According to Shaheen, the meeting focused on the implementation of a memorandum of understanding previously signed between Afghanistan’s Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs and the Jusour company. The agreement aims to facilitate the legal transfer of Afghan workers to Qatar and streamline the recruitment process for qualified and skilled individuals.
Shaheen stated: “A memorandum of understanding had previously been signed between the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs of the Islamic Emirate and the Qatari Ministry of Labor, and this meeting emphasized its effective implementation.”
Economic experts say that sending skilled Afghan workers to regional countries not only helps reduce domestic economic pressure but also contributes to strengthening Afghanistan’s national economy through the transfer of experience, skills, and foreign currency.
They believe that transparent hiring procedures and the protection of workers’ rights are key to the success of such initiatives.
Bashir Shabiri, an economic expert, stated: “If these individuals are trained in technical and vocational fields and learn professional skills, they can undoubtedly be used effectively in Afghanistan in the future as well.”
Abdul Nasir Reshtia, another economic analyst, added: “Sending a significant number of workers abroad, especially to Qatar, can positively impact the purchasing power of the people and improve Afghanistan’s economic conditions.”
Meanwhile, a number of workers and job seekers in Afghanistan say that creating legal channels for work abroad gives them new hope.
They believe that such programs not only reduce unemployment but also allow Afghan workers to enter regional labor markets with dignity and legal protections.
Mirwais, a laborer, said: “We’ve been out since morning, haven’t eaten anything, and there’s no work. We’re still unemployed and haven’t earned even ten afghanis. How long will this go on?”
Salman, another worker, added: “Our demand is that work opportunities should be created, factories and companies should be established.”
This comes as Qatar, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates have previously expressed readiness to accept Afghan workers.
These countries have stated that they need labor in various sectors, including construction, services, and technical fields, and that Afghanistan could be a key source for meeting this demand.
Such cooperation, especially under current economic conditions, is seen as one of the practical ways to address Afghanistan’s economic challenges and provide sustainable income for its citizens.
