Qatar’s labour market has experienced unprecedented growth, attracting millions of expatriates seeking better opportunities for themselves and their families. This growth is largely attributed to comprehensive reforms that aim to ensure better living and work conditions for foreign workers in Qatar.

These efforts, which resulted in nearly two million expatriates employed in Qatar, align with the Third National Development Strategy 2024-2030. The strategy aims to increase the country’s labour market productivity, making over 46% of the total workforce highly skilled.

To achieve this goal, the government has overseen labour reforms to create a system that balances the needs of workers and employers alike. This includes transforming to skill-based recruitment, increasing visa issuance rates for expats, streamlining employment processes and introducing new visa types for entrepreneurs, freelancers and students.

Qatar is also seeking to adopt innovative work mechanisms, including remote work options, easing job transitions, promoting a performance-focused work environment in the public sector and developing comprehensive training programs.

In recent years, Qatar has implemented extensive reforms to strengthen labour laws and increase protections for migrant workers. Most notably: 

• Abolished the exit permit requirement for residents seeking to leave the country 
• Announced procedures allowing workers to change employment freely, without requiring a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from their previous employer 
• Introduced a non-discriminatory minimum wage 
• Announced the establishment of 20 Qatar Visa Centres (QVCs) in India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan and the Philippines to expedite recruitment processes and ensure workers are not exploited in their home countries 
• Established a Workers’ Support and Insurance Fund which will provide care for workers, guarantee their rights and provide a healthy and safe working environment 

National Human Rights Committee

Qatar has demonstrated a strong commitment to workers’ rights by establishing human rights departments with various ministries to promote and protect workers in an integrated manner. At the national level, the country established the National Human Rights Committee under Law No. (38) of 2002 to protect workers’ rights, promote human rights principles and safeguard public freedoms.

First ILO Project Office in Doha

On 30 April 2018, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) inaugurated its first project office in Qatar, marking the beginning of a comprehensive technical cooperation program. The program aims to improve labour laws, upskill government officials and ensure recruitment practices align with international best practices.

ILO Cooperation Program Extension

In March 2024, Qatar signed an agreement with the ILO to extend their joint technical cooperation program for an additional four years. This aims to build on the program’s previous achievements and support labour market policies and entities in Qatar.

Workers’ Support and Insurance Fund

In October 2018, His Highness the Amir issued Law No. (17) of 2018 establishing the Workers’ Support and Insurance Fund. The fund protects workers’ rights by ensuring they receive their financial dues if their employer goes out of business or is forced to close.

Wage Protection System

Qatar implemented a Wage Protection System to protect workers from exploitation. The system seeks to end the practice of cash payments. In addition, it grants Qatari authorities the power to monitor wage payments, ensuring that migrant workers are paid in full and on time, as stipulated in their contracts.

Minimum Wage

In March 2021, Qatar introduced a minimum wage of QAR 1,000, covering all employees across the country’s various sectors, including domestic workers. The employer must also provide QAR 500 per month for accommodation and QAR 300 per month for food or offer these in kind.

As the first of its kind in the region, this non-discriminatory minimum wage law was developed by the Minimum Wage Committee, a specialised national body comprising key authorities. The committee periodically reviews the law’s impact and implementation to ensure its effectiveness and compliance.

No-Objection Certificates

Qatar has abolished the requirement for No-Objection Certificates, allowing employees to terminate their contracts without employer approval. This landmark reform enhances labour mobility, fosters greater competition in the job market, and simplifies job transitions. It also empowers employers to attract and retain top talent from the local workforce.

Labour Dispute Resolution Committees

In March 2018, Qatar established Labour Dispute Resolution Committees to ensure that labour disputes are settled in a just and timely manner, within three weeks of filing a complaint.

Abolishing Exit Permits

In 2020, the Minister of Interior issued Decision No. (95) of 2019, abolishing exit permit requirements for expatriates not covered by Qatar’s Labour Law. This reform allows migrant workers, including domestic workers, to leave the country without employer permission (with the except of military personnel). To maintain balance, domestic workers are required to notify their employers at least 72 hours before departure.

A limited provision permits employers to request prior approval for requirements for specific employees whose roles are critical for operations. Such request must be submitted to the Ministry of Interior and are strictly capped at no more than 5% of the employer’s total workforce.

Health, Safety & Welfare

Qatar employs multilingual male and female labour auditors supported by the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs with advanced technologies for immediate electronic reporting.

In April 2021, the Shura Council approved a draft law mandating health insurance for all residents and visitors.

Qatar has also established multiple channels for workers to report grievances. This includes a 24/7 hotline and 11 electronic complaint kiosks, operating in 11 languages. The kiosks are strategically located at 11 branches of the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs across Qatar.

Fast-Tracking Service

In February 2022, the Ministry of Labour launched a fast-tracking electronic service for recruiting foreign workers. The service automatically grants work visa approvals to Labour Law-compliant companies expediting the process of acquiring new workers. It aims to help both established and newly formed companies that meet specific criteria to fulfil their labour needs promptly, serving a large number of beneficiaries through flexible, continuously evolving policies.

Labour Re-employment Platform

In August 2022, The Qatar Chamber partnered with the Ministry of Labour to launch a private sector labour re-employment platform to support companies in recruiting skilled labour from within the local market. The platform facilitates companies in sourcing skilled labour from within Qatar’s existing workforce, reducing reliance on foreign recruitment and supporting the retention of skilled workers.

Workforce Classification Guide

In April 2023, the Ministry of Labour launched the Labour Classification Guide for the private sector. This comprehensive national guide serves as a unified guide for all entities in Qatar, standardising the processes for residency and work permits across sectors.

Istamer Platform

The Ministry of Labour launched Istamer Platform in September 2023, a first-of-its-kind digital initiative focusing on employing retirees in the private sector. The platform efficiently matches skilled retirees with the private sectors’ needs, optimising the use of national resources.

Specialised Work Contract Attestation E-Service

In December 2023, the Ministry of Labour introduced an e-service for attesting specialised work contracts. This allows companies with unique operational requirements to customise employment contracts while ensuring compliance with labour laws.

Workforce Planning Committee

In March 2024, the Cabinet established a Workforce Planning Committee within the Ministry of Labour. Chaired by Dr Ali bin Samikh Al Marri, Minister of Labour, this committee coordinates government and private sector workforce planning, addressing challenges and aligning the state’s future outlook for employment in accordance with economic and societal changes. The committee also analyses Qatar’s educational outputs and goals and aligns them with the labour market demands.

Basher Service

In July 2024, the Ministry of Labour introduced the Basher service, designed to streamline the employment process for Qataris and children of Qatari women in the private sector. The service offers features such as electronic contract certification, ensuring a more efficient and streamlined process.

Ouqoul Platform

Most recently, in August 2024, the Ministry of Labour introduced the Ouqoul platform. This initiative focuses on hiring expatriate university graduates in Qatar’s private sector, helping companies find candidates whose skills best match their requirements.

Heat Stress Protection

The Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs issued Ministerial Decree No. (17) of 2021, outlining measures to protect workers at exposed work sites from heat stress during the summer. The law prohibits work at exposed sites from 1 June to 15 September between 10:00 to 15:30. This decree extended summer work regulations by six weeks, providing workers greater protection from heat stress.

The decree also requires employers to provide heat stress training, access to personal protection equipment and annual health checks. Additionally, all work must stop if the Wet-Bulb Blobe Temperature (WBGT) rises beyond 32.1.

Qatar has also established multiple channels for workers to report grievances. This includes a 24/7 hotline and 11 electronic complaint kiosks, operating in 11 languages. The kiosks are strategically located at 11 branches of the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs across Qatar.

Doha Dialogue

In 2024, Qatar hosted the Doha Dialogue on migrant workers’ mobility between African and Arab countries. The initiative demonstrated Qatar’s efforts to address growing international interest in improving labour mobility governance and protecting workers’ rights around the world.

During the event, His Excellency Dr Ali bin Samikh Al Marri, Minister of Labour, announced bilateral agreements with 22 African countries to regulate the recruitment and employment of workers in a safe and streamlined manner.

Qatar Visa Centres

Qatar is launching 20 Qatar Visa Centres (QVC) to create a streamlined system that expedites recruitment processes and protects their rights by eliminating exploitative practices within their home countries.

An initiative led by the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Public Health, the QVCs will be located in India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan and the Philippines.

August 2017

His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of Qatar, issues Law No. (15) of 2017 on domestic workers

March 2018

Qatar establishes Labour Dispute Resolution Committees

April 2018

The International Labour Organization opens its first office in Qatar

September 2018

His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of Qatar, issues Law No. (13) of 2018, amending provisions of Law No. (21) of 2015 which regulates the entry, exit, and residence of expatriates

October 2018

His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of Qatar, issues Law No. (17) of 2018 establishing the Workers’ Support and Insurance Fund

Qatar opened its first Qatar Visa Centre in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

April 2019

The Minister of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs issues a decision on 22 April 2019, regulating the conditions and procedures for electing workers’ representatives in joint committees

October 2019

The Minister of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs announces the Cabinet’s approval of a new minimum wage legislation and an initiative to facilitate workers’ mobility

January 2020

The Minister of Interior issues Decision No. (95) of 2019, which abolishes the exit permit requirement for expatriates not governed by Qatar Labour Law

August 2020

Non-discriminatory minimum wage and elimination of No-Objection Certificates announced

March 2021

Non-discriminatory minimum wage comes into effect

May 2021

Minister of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs announces Decision No. (17) of 2021 outlining precautions to protect workers from heat stress during the summer

August 2021

The Ministry of Labour issues Decision No. (21) of 2021, amending Resolution No. (8) of 2005 which regulates the conditions and procedures for licensed recruitment of foreign workers

February 2022

Ministry of Labour launches Fast-Track Service for work visas.

August 2022

Ministry of Labour launches Labor Re-employment Platform for the private sector.

April 2023

Ministry of Labour launches Workforce Classification Guide for the private sector.

September 2023

Ministry of Labour launches Istamer Platform for recruiting retirees in the private sector.

December 2023

Ministry of Labour launches Specialised Contract Certification E-service.

March 2024

Cabinet Decision to establish Workforce Planning Committee within the Ministry of Labour.

Qatar and the International Labour Organization sign an agreement to extend their technical cooperation program for an additional 4 years, building on its efforts to strengthen Qatar’s labour market policies and entities

May 2024

Qatar chairs the Doha Dialogue, a ministerial meeting on labour mobility between GCC and African countries, signing bilateral agreements with 22 African countries to regulate the recruitment and employment of workers

July 2024

The Workers’ Support and Insurance Fund, the International Labour Organization and the Social Development Center launch an initiative to train and support low-income migrant women to save and start small businesses

August 2024

Ouqoul Platform for employing expatriate university graduates in the private sector announced.

November 2024

The Ministry of Labour launched the 2024-2030 National Workforce Strategy to increase Qatari workforce participation to 58%, enhance productivity and efficiency and attract highly skilled foreign talent.