Qatar Emir promised Merkel to improve World Cup workers' safety

The Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, with German Chancellor Angela Merkel

The Emir of Qatar has promised German Chancellor Angela Merkel WORKING conditions will improve for labourers helping to prepare for the 2022 World Cup in the Gulf state. 

Merkel, whose country is reigning World Cup champions, said she raised concerns with Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani  during the leaders’ first ever meeting, held in Germany on Wednesday.

"I made it very clear we want good conditions for guest workers in one of the world's rich countries," she said.

"The emir told me things will change and they will react to the criticisms."

International human rights and union groups have criticised Qatar for its treatment of thousands of low-paid migrant workers, most of whom live in dormitory-style accommodation and WORK long hours.

The Indian embassy in Qatar has said that 237 of its nationals died in the Gulf state in 2012, as well as 218 in 2013.

Data revealed to AFP by the Nepalese embassy in Doha in January showed 191 deaths recorded in 2013, with many of them from "unnatural" heart failure, compared with 169 the year before.

The International TRADE Union Confederation has said that 4000 migrant workers would die while helping to build infrastructure for Qatar’s World Cup, based on 2012-13 death rates.

Qatar has recently implemented new labour rights legislation in A bid to respond to international criticism.

Football’s world governing body FIFA is presently considering Areport conducted into the 2010 bidding process in which Qatar was granted the 2022 hosting rights.