On 1–2 December 2025, the Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI) and the Ministry of Labour convened the first-ever construction sector roundtable in Qatar, bringing together migrant worker representatives, major contractors in the sector, and government officials for two days of focused dialogue on safety, recruitment, wages, and the future of the industry.

The meeting marked the first time that migrant workers, represented by BWI, engaged directly with employers and the Ministry on sector-wide policy issues. BWI opened the discussions by situating Qatar’s reforms within global and regional trends: countries with the best OSH performance rely on regular communication between workers, employers, and authorities.

Participants recognised progress on heat regulations, inspections, recruitment reforms, and improvements in the wage protection system (WPS), while also identifying gaps in implementation across the subcontracting chain. Discussions further explored skills development, technological innovation, and the environmental transition shaping the future of construction.

All parties emphasised the need for a structured and regular consultation platform for the construction sector as a practical tool to support enforcement and strengthen Qatar’s leadership on labour reform. BWI reaffirmed its commitment to constructive and evidence-based dialogue, grounded in workers’ experiences and international labour standards.

Migrant worker leaders stressed that structured dialogue is not only about resolving problems. It is also about recognising good practices, building trust, and giving workers and employers the chance to address challenges together in a rapidly evolving sector.

BWI General Secretary Ambet Yuson said: “This first meeting marks a significant step forward. By bringing workers, employers, and government officials together around one table, Qatar has opened space for a more predictable, forward-looking, and cooperative model of governance in a sector vital to the country’s future.”

BWI is committed to supporting this process with technical expertise, evidence from global best practice, and the voice of workers who are building Qatar’s infrastructure every day.