Local authorities may have forced thousands of workers from their homes in the capital, Doha, Reuters news agency reported. Authorities deny that the evictions are related to the World Cup, which starts in the country next month.

The news agency spoke to migrant workers who had been evicted from their homes. They said workers in more than 10 buildings were forced to leave their homes. The buildings mainly housed Asian and African guest workers.

According to some residents of a building in the Al Moousura residential area, they were told to vacate their apartment just two hours in advance.

Authorities reject forced evictions in connection with the World Cup

The first match of the FIFA World Cup begins on November 20 in Qatar. A government spokesman says the actions have nothing to do with the World Cup.

The move is part of “broad current and future residential redevelopment plans in Doha,” the spokesman said. According to him, all have been relocated to “a safe and appropriate alternate home.”

However, at least one resident who spoke to Reuters denies this and says there is nowhere to go.

Possible human rights violations

Qatar has been under scrutiny for years over possible human rights violations. Above all, the conditions under which guest workers have to work in the country are criticized.

Investigative journalists and human rights organizations estimate that thousands of guest workers have been killed since the 2010 World Cup was awarded. The Guardian speaks of 6,000 to 6,500 dead.