Minister for Long-Term Care and Sport, Conny Helder, will be present at a group match of the Dutch national team as usual at major sporting events of this kind. The Netherlands has received an official invitation from Qatar for the Netherlands-Qatar match. No government delegation will be present at the other group matches.

By sending a government delegation to the World Cup in Qatar, the government is opting for cooperation and continuing dialogue with Qatar, with a view to sustainable improvement of the situation of migrant workers in the country. This decision was taken on the basis of a thorough consideration and after consultation with international partners, including other countries, international organizations and human rights organisations.

The government believes that the constructive and critical dialogue and cooperation with Qatar have had a visible positive effect on reforms and better working conditions in Qatar. Good relations with Qatar are important for the Netherlands. We need Qatar as a partner on important issues such as the evacuation from Afghanistan and energy supplies to Europe.

Despite the labor reforms implemented, concerns remain. This includes the implementation and enforcement of these reforms. That is why the Minister for Long-Term Care and Sport will also pay attention to human rights and the situation of migrant workers during the World Cup on behalf of the government. Precisely by being present in Qatar at the World Cup, the dialogue with Qatar can be continued.

The cabinet has decided that the Minister of Sport, Minister Conny Helder, will be present at the group match of the Dutch national team against host country Qatar. There are no plans for the King or the Prime Minister to travel to Qatar for the group matches of the Dutch national team. If the Dutch national team qualifies for the knockout phase, the cabinet will reassess.