Maja Stefanska, BA Arabic & International Business

Slaves in Qatar: a rocky road to the 2022 Football World Cup

In my research I am looking at the ways in which large hospitality companies respond to modern slavery scandal in construction industry in Qatar in preparation for the 2022 World Cup. It is primarily a business topic, but relies heavily on Corporate Social Responsibility and Business ethics. The data I analyse comes mostly from NGOs such as Amnesty International, International Labour Organisation and the Danish Institute for Human Rights, as well as company statements (where available) and Qatari legislation passed in relation to the modern slavery. I believe this is fascinating, as Qatar has been under a lot of pressure since its election for the host of the 2022 World Cup, with close to non-existing infrastructure that would allow to host such event. Thus, reverting to modern slavery practices might be a way of relieving this pressure, albeit unethical and immoral. Little focus is given to media coverage and social responses, as my research focuses on business side of the issue.