In a groundbreaking step to strengthen migrant worker representation and access to justice, Qatar’s Ministry of Labour (MoL), in close cooperation with Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI), has introduced official Community Adviser identification cards for migrant worker leaders.

The new cards formally acknowledge the role of trusted community leaders and trained community volunteers and grant them access to Ministry facilities to accompany fellow workers, support grievance processes, assist community members navigating labour disputes, and provide labor education.

 The Community Adviser card serves as an official endorsement by the MoL of the leaders’ role as representatives within migrant communities. Worker-leaders as Community Advisers can now more effectively coordinate case filings and follow up with the MoL without fear of retaliation.

 “This is a milestone for migrant workers in Qatar,” said Ambet Yuson, BWI General Secretary, who distributed the first card to migrant leaders from South Asia, Southeast Asia, Africa, and Women's groups. “For the first time, community leaders are formally recognised by the Ministry of Labour, with a concrete role in helping their fellow workers access justice and protection.”

 The cards are the result of sustained dialogue and joint initiatives between BWI, migrant worker leaders, and the MoL. Over recent years, BWI has worked with migrant communities in Qatar to train worker leaders, build legal awareness, and create safe spaces for dialogue, including the Community Leaders’ Forums that bring together hundreds of representatives from 19 different nationalities.

 By equipping leaders with such recognition cards, the MoL and BWI are institutionalising this cooperation and creating a stronger bridge between government services and the communities they serve.

 For workers, the cards are more than symbolic. They provide reassurance that their community leaders are not only visible, but also officially recognised by the Ministry. “When I walk into the MoL office with a worker who needs to file a complaint, the card shows I have a role to play,” said Mayla “Mags” Layla, BMKQ Philippines and Coordinator of the Women Community Leaders Forum (WCLF). “It gives workers confidence, and it helps officials trust who they are dealing with.” Added Aliguma Saul, representative of Africa Unite Qatar.

 BWI stressed that this is just the beginning, and that ongoing monitoring, training, and dialogue will be essential to ensure the cards are used effectively. The initiative represents a major step forward in creating a labour relations system that is more inclusive, transparent, and responsive to the needs of migrant workers.