THE new guidelines being enforced by the Ministry of Labour to improve the working environment and living conditions of workers could lead to a spike in labour cost, fear subcontractors in the construction sector.

Talking to Qatar Tribune, the subcontractors - who either deal directly with companies or through the main contractors, and whose income depends on the wage structure of workers including unskilled and the MEP (mason, electrician and plumber) workforce felt it would also lead to a rise in the overall project cost.

A MEP subcontractor said:"Now, we accommodate six to eight workers in a single room with an expense between QR2,000 and QR2,500. If we follow the new guidelines of accommodating not more than four to a room, the expense will double." He added,"So, we have no option but to hike the labour cost."

At present, the daily wage given by the main contractor to an unskilled worker is QR100 for 10 hours work. An MEP worker gets QR130 to QR140 for the same working hours.

Subcontractors' business is dependent on the wage structure of workers. They have to meet expenses such as labourers' monthly salary, food, accommodation, travel, and medical allowances.

The subcontractors also fear that they may have to incur heavy losses on the ongoing projects if the companies or main contractors do not pay them additional money for providing the recommended facilities.

"Companies will conduct inspections on labour camps, and if they find that the conditions are not met they can cancel the contract," said a subcontractor.

According to the new guidelines, the practice of providing double-bunk beds and accommodating more than four labourers in a single room has been banned in Qatar.

According to the subcontractors, the shortage and skyrocketing rents of buildings, which ranges between QR75,000 and QR85,000 for a building fit to accommodate 100 workers, is another major issue faced by them.