Several Qatari security guards arrested for demanding unpaid wages after World Cup

Several security guards who worked during the FIFA World Cup in Qatar were arrested and jailed for demanding unpaid wages after their employment was terminated early by a local firm.

The company, Stark Security Services, allegedly told the guards to collect their final salary, vacate their accommodation, and if they refused, they were detained and deported.

The situation was verified by human rights group Equidem, which interviewed an additional 43 people who were formerly employed by Stark Security.

Of those, four were deported for disputing the termination of their contracts.

The guards signed six-month contracts with monthly wages of 2,700 riyals in return for seven-day working weeks, food and accommodation, but Qatari law states that contracts that are terminated early require a one-month notice period.

The former guards feel they were cheated and helpless, and many attempted to negotiate with the company but were threatened with arrest.

The Guardian spoke to nine former security guards and confirmed the situation.

FIFA is committed to protecting the rights of individuals working in Qatar through fair and just legal due process.

It has referred the Guardian to an earlier statement that seeks to facilitate discussions at the host country level to explore available options for remedy.

Stark Security Services did not respond to requests from the paper for comment.