16-Apr-2019: Qatar’s exit visa system to end this year: U.N.
Qatar is set to abolish its controversial exit visa system for all foreign workers by the end of 2019.
Qatar has introduced a series of labour reforms since its selection as the 2022 World Cup host, with the event setting in motion a huge construction programme employing foreign workers. Last year, the exit visa was eliminated for the majority of workers, this year, that will be extended to all remaining categories of workers.
In September 2018, Qatar approved legislation to scrap the “kafala”, or sponsorship, system which required that foreign workers obtain permission from their employers to leave the country. In October, it went into force for all but 5% of a company’s workforce — reportedly those in the most senior positions. The system will officially be eliminated by the end of 2019.
In February, Qatar said it was committed to labour reform following an Amnesty International report that the 2022 World Cup host was failing to stop widespread labour abuse. Doha said it was on course to deliver “lasting” change after the human rights group accused the state of “running out of time” to implement reforms before the World Cup.
As part of its pledge to reform the labour section, Qatar has also introduced a monthly minimum wage of 750 riyals ($206) and agreed to work closely with the ILO, which now has an office in the capital.
14/12/2016 - Qatar formally announces the end of “Kafala” system.
Labour Minister Issa bin Saad al-Jafali al-Nuaimi said the “Kafala” rules would be abolished from December 13,2016 and will be replaced with a contract-based system to govern the gas-rich Gulf emirate’s 2.1 million foreign workers.
The new law is the latest step towards improving and protecting the rights of every expatriate worker in Qatar. Freedom of movement is guaranteed under the new rules, said Qatari officials, including giving workers the right to change jobs. Any worker mistreated can automatically be allowed to change jobs.
The exit visa formally needed to leave the country under “Kafala” will be abolished, although workers will still need their employers' permission to go home. An appeals committee has been established for expats who are denied permission to leave.
20-Apr-2019: Egypt votes on key changes to constitution
Egypt holds a three-day referendum from Saturday on constitutional amendments that could allow President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to stay in office until 2030. Parliament this week overwhelmingly approved the proposals, which would also bolster the role of the military and expand the president’s power over judicial appointments.
Supporters argue that Sisi has stabilised Egypt and needs more time to complete crucial economic reforms. Critics say they fear that the changes will further limit the space for dissent after a wide-ranging security crackdown.
An amendment to Article 140 of the constitution extends the presidential term to six years from four. An outright bar on any president serving more than two terms will change to a bar on serving more than two consecutive terms. An additional clause extends Sisi’s current term to six years from four currently since his election victory in 2018, and allows him to run for a third term in 2024.
The amendments provide for the creation of a second parliamentary chamber known as the Council of Senators. It would have 180 members, two-thirds elected by the public and the rest appointed by the president.
Article 200 of the constitution on the role of the military is expanded, giving the military a duty to protect “the constitution and democracy and the fundamental make-up of the country and its civil nature, the gains of the people and the rights and freedoms of individuals”.
The amendments also create the post of vice president, allowing the president to appoint one or more deputies. They task the president with choosing head judges and the public prosecutor from a pool of senior candidates pre-selected by the judiciary. They further create a quota setting women’s representation in parliament at a minimum of 25 percent.
Who is behind the amendments?
The amendments were initiated by the pro-government parliamentary bloc known as Support Egypt, and according to the parliament’s legislative committee report, 155 members submitted the initial proposal. On Tuesday, 531 out of 596 members of Egypt’s overwhelmingly pro-Sisi parliament voted in favour of the changes.
The legislative committee report said religious, academic, political and civil society representatives expressed strong overall support for the changes during a consultation period ahead of the parliament’s final vote.
What do opponents say?
The legislative committee acknowledged some opposition to the amendments from members of the judiciary and two non-governmental organisations. Just 22 members of parliament voted against the amendments. They and other opposition figures say a central promise of the 2011 uprising that toppled then-President Hosni Mubarak is at risk: the principle of the peaceful transfer of power.
They say the amendments were driven by Sisi and his close entourage, and by the powerful security and intelligence agencies. They also fear the changes thrust the armed forces into political life by formally assigning them a role in protecting democracy.
Egyptian officials deny silencing dissent and say that Egyptians from all walks of life were given a chance to debate the amendments, adding that all views were factored into the final proposals.
What happens next?
Egyptians abroad start voting on Friday, while the vote inside Egypt begins on Saturday, meaning Egyptians have less than four days to read and discuss the changes following their approval by parliament.
Election commissioner Lasheen Ibrahim, who announced the dates of the referendum on Wednesday, did not say when the votes will be counted or the results announced.
15-Feb-2019: Trump declares national emergency to build his border wall
President Donald Trump declared a national emergency to address the ongoing issues with border security in order to unilaterally build physical barriers along significant portions of the United States border with Mexico.
The action ventures into new territory to circumvent Congress and redirect military funding for other purposes, drawing condemnation and confusion from lawmakers across both political parties.
In addition to the $1.4 billion for wall construction appropriated by Congress, approximately $6 billion will be taken from Title X funding and $600 million will be tapped from the Treasury forfeiture fund.
The wall construction would follow the same design as the one appropriated by Congress, using a steel bollard wall instead of concrete or other prototype walls.