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Labour exploitation is a global problem. Many people, including migrant workers, are at risk of exploitation for forced labour. During large tournaments, you can help keep them safe by learning how to spot the signs of exploitation and where to safely report anything that seems suspicious.
Have you seen something suspicious?
Page Summary
Exploitation is happening
Don’t contribute to the problem. Be part of the solution.
The massive influx of fans during sporting tournaments means that workers in industries such as hospitality, transport, construction, and security are in higher demand.
The workers are at risk of being exploited, or forced to do something for the financial benefit of traffickers.
Spot the signs
Labour exploitation refers to situations where people are coerced to work for little or no remuneration, often under threat of punishment. Means of coercion can include the use of violence or intimidation, accumulated debt, retention of identity papers, ot threat of exposure to immigration authorities.
You may be noticing indicators of exploitation if a worker:
Examples
How to respond appropriately
Please be considerate about the sensitivities and cultural norms of the region before responding.
Be mindful that approaching any worker could put them in an uncomfortable or risky position, and at risk of retaliation. We generally suggest not approaching workers for the purpose of questioning them.
- Workers may have their employer or supervisor present.
- There is also the possibility that some migrant workers have been hired as ‘informants’ to report other migrant workers speaking up against abuses.
- If anyone is subject to verbal or physical abuse, please seek support from the closest security guard.
You can instead leave a secure report about this through our anonymous reporting tool, The STOP APP.
Please include the name of the company if you can. This information is usually found on their uniform. The reports are checked by trained members of our charity, who work in intelligence at the STOP THE TRAFFIK Group. Any safeguarding concerns will be analysed by the team and acted upon accordingly.
We advise against taking photographs or videos, or publishing your concerns on social media, as this could put the worker and yourself at risk.
If you believe you are experiencing exploitation, see our advice about seeking help.
How to safely report a suspected incident
If you see something that doesn’t look right during your time in Qatar, you can let us know through our STOP APP.
The app is anonymous, confidential, and secure. There will be no record of the report submitted on your phone.
The STOP APP is available in multiple languages and can be downloaded by anyone who has access to a smartphone. It is available on Google Play and the App store.
Please read the instructions below before making your report
How it works
Make sure you are in a safe place away from the suspected incident when making the report.
You can describe the incident, the type of exploitation in question, the date, and the location.
Upload your contact details if you want us to contact you. You have the option to remain anonymous.
Please give us as much information as possible when filling out the form, but be mindful of the laws below surrounding photos and videos. We do not recommend taking or adding photos and videos to your report in Qatar.
The reports are checked by STOP THE TRAFFIK’s trained intelligence and safeguarding team, who analyse trends in reports to prevent trafficking. Individuals who are identified as needing immediate safety will be referred to appropriate organisations.
Alternatively, you can submit a report through our online form on our website, which functions in the same way.
Useful details to include in your report
1. Descriptions of people involved in the crime, suspects, associates, and criminal groups or organizations
2. Telephone numbers, suspects’ addresses, website URLs, social media information
3. Every aspect of the crime
4. How those involved travel and details of the vehicles used in the commission of the crimes
5. Anything to do with financial transactions
If you are unsure if what you’ve seen is enough to report, please do still report. Your piece of information may still make a big difference.
STOP THE TRAFFIK is a human trafficking prevention organisation. This app collects individuals’ stories of global human trafficking to disrupt and prevent this crime. We are not a rescue organisation and this app is not monitored 24/7 but will be checked everyday.
How to seek help if you are at risk
If you are a victim of exploitation or a witness wanting to come forward, you can contact your home country’s embassy if you feel it is safe to do so. Although they are generally limited in actions they can take, some may give you guidance, shelter, or Emergency Travel Certificates if you are allowed to exit the country. Please note that not all countries have an embassy in Qatar.
Workers might be able to file a labour complaint to the Ministry of Labour.
It is your choice whether to contact local authorities. Please be aware that there are risks involved, notably to sexual exploitation victims and LGBTQIA+ individuals. Sex work and homosexual behaviour are illegal in Qatar, and victims may additionally face prosecution for the offence of sex outside of marriage. Please visit your country of origin’s foreign travel advice for advice and information.
You can also find details of support organisations anywhere in the world on It’s a Penalty’s Make a Report page.
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