Doha: Palestinian trade unionists and economists have expressed strong support for Qatar's ratification of an agreement regulating the employment of Palestinian workers in Qatar, highlighting it as a significant move to enhance bilateral cooperation between the two regions.
According to Qatar News Agency, Qatar's ratification of a bilateral agreement with the Palestinian government, formalized under Amiri Decree No. (3) of 2026, aims to regulate the employment of Palestinian workers in the Qatari labor market. This agreement, signed in Doha on May 27, 2025, marks a continuation of Qatar's long-standing economic, developmental, and humanitarian support for Palestine.
Sami Al Amssi, Chairman of the General Union of Workers' Syndicates in Gaza, praised the ratification, emphasizing that Qatar's recruitment of Palestinian workers will help address unemployment and improve living conditions for those affected by the devastating impact of the Israeli wars on Gaza. Al Amssi acknowledged Qatar's contributions over the years, including monthly grants, infrastructure development, and the establishment of educational and healthcare facilities, which have played a crucial role in mitigating the effects of the Israeli blockade.
Highlighting the agreement's importance, Al Amssi noted that the ongoing Israeli conflict has left approximately 400,000 workers in Gaza unemployed, leading to extreme poverty and economic paralysis. He expressed gratitude to Qatar's leadership, underscoring the deep fraternal ties between Qatar and Palestine and Qatar's unwavering commitment to supporting the Palestinian people.
Economic expert Ahmad Abu Qamar echoed these sentiments, noting Qatar's pivotal and sustained role in supporting Gaza and the Palestinian economy. He described the agreement as a natural extension of Qatar's efforts, reflecting a steadfast commitment to Palestinian resilience during a sensitive period for the economy. Abu Qamar emphasized Qatar's historical contributions to rebuilding Gaza, stating that the agreement represents a continuation of these efforts.
Abu Qamar also highlighted the significance of the agreement in light of the near-total collapse of Gaza's labor market, where unemployment rates have surged beyond 80 percent. He believes that facilitating Palestinian labor opportunities in Qatar will reduce unemployment and increase income levels, thereby alleviating poverty among workers' families. This step, he argued, will positively impact Palestine's gross national product and overall economic performance.
Moreover, Abu Qamar noted that attracting Palestinian labor to Qatar will provide workers with valuable experience that can be transferred back to Palestine, particularly during the expected reconstruction phase, ensuring optimal investment of Palestinian human resources.
He pointed out that the Palestinian economy, especially in Gaza, has suffered unprecedented contraction due to the conflict, with GDP contracting significantly in recent years. Exporting Palestinian labor abroad, Abu Qamar asserted, will help alleviate this contraction by boosting employment, income, and purchasing power, ultimately mitigating the decline in GDP.
The Palestinian economy, particularly in Gaza, has faced a complete collapse due to Israel's systematic policies during the two-year conflict, resulting in the destruction of industrial facilities and halting economic activities, leaving thousands unemployed.