Qatar, a prime destination for Nepali migrant workers, has set a temporary minimum wage for migrant workers worth around 750 riyals (around Rs21,000) a month. The minimum wage is 150 riyals less than the minimum wage proposed by the Nepal government.

AFP reported that Qatar's Labour Minister Issa al-Nuaimi said that the "temporary minimum wage of 750 riyals per month will immediately come into effect", while officials work on setting a permanent rate and the figure could increase after a review.

Furthermore, Minister Niwaimi said that in addition to the new salary, labourers will receive free accommodation, food and healthcare plans, covered by employers.

Introducing a minimum wage was among a package of major labour changes announced last month by Qatar, which has come under continued global scrutiny and criticism for its treatment of some two million migrant workers.

Qatar had earlier committed to set a minimum wage policy during a meeting with the UN's International Labour Organisation, which on November 8 said the reforms matched up to its expectations for labour rights.

The Department of Foreign Employment on 2013 had set 900 riyals as the minimum wage and 300 riyals for fooding for the migrant workers in view of inflation in the Gulf nation and decided to send workers to only those companies who would provide the set amount.

"I am very disappointed with the decision made by Qatar," said Bhakta Rai, a migrant worker who has been working in construction for the past 10 years, "Our minimum wage should at least be 1,500 riyals as we are now getting 1,200 riyals. This decision only favours the companies and Qatar and not us."

Meanwhile, Minister Nuaimi said, "We will not approve any employment contract if the salary is below 750 Qatari riyals per month. All contracts must now be approved by the ministry (of labour) and if any change is made to the contract, we will apply the new procedures."