PLAYFAIR QATAR slammed Qatar’s labour reform laws yesterday, saying it would be a “surprise” if the changes were positive.

The Gulf nation’s reforms come into effect today, after years of intense criticism from unions and human rights activists over the appalling working conditions in Qatar.

Under the new law, workers will allegedly be free to leave Qatar so long as they inform their employer first. Employees whose bosses refuse can appeal to a government committee that must address requests within three days.