Qatar’s migrant army queues for glimpse of World Cup

Hundreds of migrant labourers, a lot of whom have labored on Qatar’s new stadiums, have shaped lengthy queues to see the World Cup trophy that shall be contested within the Gulf state this 12 months.

The value of tickets signifies that most of those that waited as much as two hours for the prospect of a selfie subsequent to the gold trophy won’t see the video games that begin November 21.

South Asia has contributed the most important contingent to the military of labourers that constructed seven new stadiums and refurbished an eighth for the primary World Cup in an Arab nation.

Qatar has confronted robust criticism over labour rights however insists it has made large adjustments in recent times, leaving it probably the most progressive state for overseas employees among the many Gulf nations.

For the most recent stage of its last show in Qatar earlier than the match, the trophy was arrange in a carpark close to Doha’s primary cricket stadium in Asian City.

Every particular person had about 15 seconds on Friday to snap an image with the cup that’s at present held by France. A Bangladeshi pop group and Indian drummers entertained the ready hordes.

Azam Rashid, a carpenter who labored on two stadiums, mentioned he was among the many many employees who couldn’t afford tickets however was intrigued by the cup.

“The tickets could also be too costly, however Qatar and the World Cup has given me a chance,” he mentioned.

“There are lengthy strains, however it will likely be price it to see the trophy,” he mentioned.

Some tickets costing 40 riyals ($11) have been reserved for Qatar’s 2.8 million inhabitants, most of whom are overseas employees.

Many within the line informed AFP, nevertheless, that each one a budget tickets had gone and the price of others was out of vary for the primarily male employees incomes Qatar’s minimal wage of $275 a month.

“The World Cup is thrilling however it’s positively an excessive amount of for me,” mentioned an administrative employee who gave his title as Tarir.

One other expat, Nasim, mentioned he was extra lucky and obtained some $10 tickets. “Everybody can afford the value I paid,” he mentioned.

However Ahmed Kareem, a building labourer who mentioned he had been in Qatar for a decade, predicted that the majority migrants would solely watch matches on TV.

“This trophy is an enormous occasion for us. It’s the closest that the majority of us will get to the World Cup,” he mentioned.