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Summary: The anti-human trafficking law includes clauses for crimes against women, children and people with special needs as well as for husbands forcing their wives into prostitution. [MANAMA, 18 April 2011] - Qatar has drafted an anti-human trafficking law covering mistreating, abusing or forcing domestic helpers to work for long hours, which is ready to be forwarded for final approval, a local daily reported on Monday. Physically harassing helpers, assaulting them or forcing them to work in harsh conditions without allowing them weekly holidays are some of the crimes that come within the purview of the proposed legislation, The Peninsula said. Punitive measures suggested in the draft include imprisonment of violators for up to 15 years and fines running up to Qatari riyals 300,000 (Dh302,600). Once the legislation is adopted, householders could be taken to task if they force domestic helpers to do such work that involves hard physical labour, is not a part of a helper's job description, or is incompatible with a woman's physical ability. The anti-human trafficking law includes clauses for crimes against women, children and people with special needs as well as for husbands forcing their wives into prostitution. The draft law stipulates that victims of human trafficking be provided food and shelter as well as legal aid by the Qatari government, and repatriation rights with help from the embassies of their home countries. Interpol and Qatari embassies will provide assistance in extraditing violators based abroad and bringing them to trial in Qatar. However, violators who turn witnesses in court cases involving human trafficking are to be pardoned and charges against them could be withdrawn. Government officials who are found directly or indirectly involved in human trafficking cases, including accepting bribes, will be charged under the proposed legislation. Charges will also be brought against those who employ victims of human trafficking and against people who have information about incidents of human trafficking and fail to inform the authorities. If found guilty, they could be jailed for up to three years or fined up to QR150,000 or both. Even though the draft law does not specifically mention domestic helpers, lawyers said the proposed law, once implemented, would also apply to those who mistreat helpers, sexually harass them or force them to work for long hours without pay. Further Information: