Qatar’s South Asian migrant army queues for glimpse of World Cup in stadiums they built
- South Asia has contributed the biggest number of labourers that built seven new stadiums and refurbished an eighth for the first World Cup in an Arab country
- Qatar faced strong criticism over labour rights but insists it has made big changes; the mainly male migrant workers earn the minimum wage of US$275 a month
Thousands of migrant labourers, many of whom have worked on Qatar’s new stadiums, have formed long queues to see the World Cup trophy that will be contested in the Gulf state this year.
The price of tickets means that most of those who waited up to two hours for the chance of a selfie next to the gold trophy will not see the games that start November 21.
South Asia has contributed the biggest contingent to the army of labourers that built seven new stadiums and refurbished an eighth for the first World Cup in an Arab country.
Qatar has faced strong criticism over labour rights but insists it has made big changes in recent years, leaving it the most progressive state for foreign workers among the Gulf countries.
For the latest stage of its final display in Qatar before the tournament, the trophy was set up in a car park near Doha’s main cricket stadium in Asian Town.
Each person had about 15 seconds on Friday to snap a picture with the cup that is currently held by France. A Bangladeshi pop group and Indian drummers entertained the waiting hordes.
