According to the documents, the conscripts are being trained to oversee stadium security lines, pat down fans, and detect booze, narcotics, and weapons disguised in ponytails, jacket linings, and even false stomachs.
Qatar has called up hundreds of citizens for mandatory military duty and recalled ambassadors from abroad to operate security checkpoints at World Cup venues.
According to documents reviewed by Reuters, the conscripts are being trained to handle stadium security lines, pat down fans, and identify drink, narcotics, or weapons concealed in ponytails, jacket linings, or even false bellies.
A source informed the news agency that the civilians were persuaded it was their “patriotic duty” to aid the military.
They stated, “Most individuals are there because they are required to be; they don’t want to get in trouble.”
They are instructed to approach fans with “positive body language, attentiveness, and a smile” and to avoid any form of discrimination against fans.
According to a source, the current batch of civilians is on a four-month paid leave from their positions at major Qatari institutions like state-owned QatarEnergy and the foreign ministry.
The diplomats have been recalled from the United States, China, and Russia, and are expected to return to their posts following the World Cup, according to the source.
With a population of less than three million, of which only 380,000 are Qatari nationals, Qatar confronts a personnel deficit as it prepares for the 20 November to 18 December FIFA tournament.
Exploitation ‘rampant’
In the lead-up to the tournament, Qatar, which is commonly considered to be close to an absolute monarchy headed by the Al Thani family, has been accused of having an atrocious human rights record.
According to Amnesty International, exploitation and abuse of migrant workers are “rife,” with individuals subjected to forced labor, unpaid salaries, and excessive work hours.
In a statement to Reuters, a Qatari government official confirmed that the country’s national service program would continue as usual throughout the World Cup.
“Recruits will give additional support throughout the tournament as part of the normal program, same as they do annually for significant public events such as the National Day celebrations,” the statement continued.
Since 2014, Qatari men between the ages of 18 and 35 have been required to perform at least four months of military training as part of their national duty. Diplomats stationed abroad are permitted to delay their service.
The penalty for not registering is one year in prison and a fine of 50,000 Qatari riyals (£12,700).
The Turkish government agreed last week to provide more than 3,000 riot police to bolster security at stadiums and hotels.
Under the terms of the deal, Turkey would also send 100 special operations police, 50 bomb specialists, and 80 sniffer dogs and riot dogs to Qatar.
The cabinet of Pakistan approved a draught deal allowing the government to provide troops for tournament security last month.
It was not specified how many personnel would be sent, and neither government has confirmed that a definitive deal has been struck.
