That commitment has split Qatar’s critics.

Some, including the International Trade Union Confederation, are fully behind Doha.

Others, including some human rights advocates, remain cautious — skeptical that reform pledges have remained largely unfulfilled.

Previous promises to end the exit visa system have never been acted upon, according to critics.

The plight of workers in Msheireb echoes the sad stories of numerous workers heard since FIFA handed Qatar the World Cup in 2010.

It also shows that reforms already in place — including a law ensuring wages are paid in full — have failed to protect the most vulnerable.

Back in Msheireb, Ashik said those who will be most impacted by the latest reforms have heard nothing about them.

Sumon argues the minimum wage needs to be doubled to 1,500 to allow those building Qatar to enjoy a decent life.

“Everything is difficult because it is so expensive here,” he said. “We are here for our families to give a better life to them.”

At the end of their lunch break, the workers move slowly back from their resting place in “old” Msheireb to its gleaming new replacement, emerging on the Doha skyline in preparation for the World Cup.

Asked if they have any interest in football, Sumon replied: “No. They will throw us away when this project is finished.

“The football is not for us, it’s for different people.”

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