The new office is the first step in implementing the technical cooperation agreement signed between the Qatar government and the ILO last November.
The ILO said it will work with the government and other stakeholders to implement a new OSH policy that will pay particular attention to the risks of heat stress. This will be supported by an awareness raising campaign.
A system for registering workplace injuries and occupational diseases will be established under the three-year programme, as well as better interpretation services for migrant workers and a training plan for labour inspectors.
Other areas of the agreement cover recruitment practices for migrant workers, the payment of wages and forced labour.
The office was officially opened in the capital Doha on 29 April.
During the inauguration, the ILO's deputy director-general for field operations and partnerships, Moussa Oumarou, said: "The opening of this office is testament to the commitment of the state of Qatar to safeguard workers' rights. Important work remains ahead, but I am confident that by collaborating closely with our partners we will ensure decent working and living conditions for workers across Qatar."
Qatar's minister of administrative development, labour and social affairs, Issa Saad Al Jafali Al Nuaimi, added: "We welcome the opening of the office and reiterate our commitment to the implementation of this comprehensive programme which is fully in line with international standards and best practices, as well as with Qatar's National Development Strategy 2018-2022."
