The National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) has objected to the practice of deporting foreign workers for the simple reason of seeking a sponsorship change. In its latest report, the NHRC has said that deporting residents under this excuse is illegal, according to a local Arabic daily. The rights panel has also maintained that the Qatarisation process in the country should not be considered a reason for terminating the services of foreign workers on short notice and deporting them. The Committee has urged that all deportation decisions be subjected to judicial control. This will allow individuals to complain against deportation in the court and seek its cancellation if it is proved illegal. It added that deportation is dangerous and has a massive impact on the person being deported as well as his family. “Such decisions should be based on legal reasons,” NHRC was quoted as saying in its report. The sponsor can refuse a request for change in the sponsorship but that should not lead to deportation. The employee should be allowed to continue work under the same sponsor or given permission to work in another job, which is not earmarked for Qatarisation, the Committee said. Meanwhile, the Advisory Council on Monday discussed the new sponsorship law and decided to return the draft law to the committee concerned for further study. The decision was taken as most of the Council members were against Article 16 in the draft law that allows residents with a valid RP to bring their parents, children and other members of the family to the country and obtain resident permits for them. The Council blamed the current influx of foreigners into the country for the increasing pressure on services and facilities in the country. Mohamed bin Mubarak Al Khulaifi, Speaker of the Advisory Council, said, “Qatar has been witnessing an unprecedented population growth and density. I think RPs should be confined to children and spouses.” He said foreigners are always welcome to the country for work but some residents want to bring their whole family to stay with them. Mubarak Al Ali, a Council member, criticised Article 4 of the draft law, which stipulates that residents leaving the country should not be allowed to return before the lapse of two years after his departure. He said this period should be increased to five years. Some members expressed their apprehension over a provision in the draft law that allows residents to keep their passports with them, while working under a sponsor. They wanted to continue the existing system. The Council discussed a draft law on domestic servants and decided to refer it to the Emir for approval. The Pen

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