Rights groups say Qatar WorldCup still on course to be 'bloodiest sporting event in history'

Rights groups on Wednesday dismissed as a "sham" long-awaited reforms of Qatar's much-criticised "kafala" labour system for foreign workers, which critics have likened to modern-day slavery.

Qatar's emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, on Tuesday approved a new law introducing changes to the sponsorship system, which currently only allows workers to leave the country with the approval of their employer, as well as rules that allow workers to switch jobs.

But activists said the changes were unlikely to make any real difference for the thousands of foreign workers in the gas-rich Gulf state, many of whom are preparing facilities for Qatar's hosting of football's 2022 World Cup .... http://www.middleeasteye.net