To complement the efforts of the State of Qatar in protecting the rights of both employers and their workers alike, the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labor and Social Affairs today announced an important positive step in the labor market reforms program, whereby a minimum wage was set and the transition between different employers was facilitated.
Where Law No. (17) of 2020 was issued regarding determining the minimum wage for workers and domestic workers, and the Ministry said that determining the minimum wage for workers and domestic workers in an amount of 1,000 Qatari riyals per month. In the event that the employer does not provide adequate housing or food for the worker or employee, the minimum housing allowance is 500 Qatari riyals, and the minimum food allowance is 300 riyals.
The Ministry of Administrative Development, Labor and Social Affairs affirmed that coordination will be made with employers to amend work contracts in which the wage of the worker is less than the minimum specified in the ministerial decision, which is to be implemented 6 months after the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.
The Ministry notes that the minimum wage has been set after extensive consultations with a specialized national committee consisting of the concerned authorities in the country to study the issue, adding that this decision, which is the first of its kind in the Middle East region, adds more stability to the labor market in the State of Qatar.
Based on the foregoing, a minimum wage committee will be formed to study and review the minimum wage for workers and employees.
Also, Decree Law No. (18) of 2020 amending some provisions of the Labor Law issued by Law No. (14) of 2004 was issued, in addition to the issuance of Decree Law No. (19) of 2020 amending some provisions of Law No. (21) of 2015 regulating entry and exit Expatriates and their residency, which aim to preserve the rights of both employers and their workers. Under which the transfer between employers was facilitated, which will increase competition and allow the worker the opportunity to change his workplace, and the employer will benefit by obtaining skilled labor within the local market.
The amendments to the Labor Law also include tightening penalties for employers who are not obligated to pay workers’ financial dues, in order to enhance the effectiveness of the wage protection system, as well as setting a penalty to be applied to employers who violate their obligation to provide workers with adequate housing within the criteria set by the Ministry.
The new amendments included increasing the number of labor dispute settlement committees, a step that was taken to confront the increase in the number of labor disputes, and to ensure that workers could obtain their rights and speed up litigation procedures.
His Excellency Yusef bin Muhammad Al-Othman Fakhro, Minister of Administrative Development, Labor and Social Affairs, said, “The State of Qatar is committed to building a modern and dynamic labor market. And in line with Qatar National Vision 2030, these laws are a new and important step in the process of reforms that we have made to the labor market. To benefit employers, workers and the state alike. “
The Ministry also affirms that attracting competencies and skills from expatriate workers, taking care of their rights and securing their safety is part of the human development goals in Qatar Vision 2030, and the announcement issued today embodies the commitment of the State of Qatar to enhance the prospects of the labor market in a manner that increases competition, attracts investments to it, and stimulates economic growth In the state.
To ensure compliance with the changes that were issued, the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labor and Social Affairs is working with various stakeholders to update the wage protection system, enhance the capabilities of the Ministry’s inspectors, and apply stricter penalties against violating companies.
