Changes in Qatar labour law have reformed the labour market to a significant extent as the ambiguity surrounding many issues has been cleared by Ministry of Labour Ministry.
Ministry has declared that there is no need for the companies to make new contracts with their employees but the existing contracts will be valid as long as the employee is willing to continue in his job.
Ministry has said that before accepting a job offer in Qatar,job seekers must ensure that they get a copy of the employment contract also they must study every detail mentioned in the contract and negotiate the details.
Legal experts suggests that before signing the contract, job seekers must read the document carefully and check if details pertaining to salary, accommodation, education, medical benefits, length of vacation and air-tickets are as discussed.
Else, once you sign the contract, it is difficult to negotiate on something new.
But, once it is mentioned in the contract, the Qatar law ensures that the employer fulfils his obligations in the contract.
The employer is obliged to provide foreign workers employment contracts, which details the rights of both the parties in the native language of the recruit.
“We are making work contracts in the local language of the worker so that he understand all the terms and conditions”, said Siva, hr in a local trading company.
E.g. 1:
Limited contract:
Worker contract term is 2 years. After 10 months compilation, if he/she terminate the contract and leave the country. He/she will be ban for next 14 months.
E.g. 2:
Open or Unlimited Contract.
Worker contract term is unlimited (5 years). After 3 years compilation, if he/she terminate the contract and leave the country. He/she will be ban for next 2 years.
Worker who completed the contract period:
Those who have completed their contracts under the law can come back to Qatar next day of their departure if he/she found new job offers. Workers who complete their contracts can easily come back without facing any ban.
What will happened to our current contract?
Only law changes will be apply your current contract. Contract term will be same. There is no need for the companies to make new contracts with their current employees after implementation of the new law but the existing contracts will be valid as long as the employee is willing to continue in his job.
(Note: Don’t sign the new contract, if you sign your contract term will be changed)
What about the starting date of contract term for existing employees?
Date he has signed the fresh (initial) employment contract will be the date from his contract would be counted. Existing employees no need sign new contract after implementation of the new law.
What will happen the employees who resigned/terminated and left the country?
Those who leave the country before completion of the contract not allowed return to the country before the end of the contract period. (As per reports – Not yet confirmed)
What will happen to BANNED/BLACKLISTED Expats?
There is no report from Qatar Government about workers who BANNED and BLACKLISTED to enter Qatar.
How to terminate ABUSIVE employer’s contract?
If your employer violating the labor rules, you need to complaint in Qatar Labor. If it’s proved Qatar labor authorities will take necessary action.
Who is BANNED for 4 years to enter Qatar?
If a foreign worker is fired/terminated as a punitive measure and he did not appeal his dismissal or his plea was rejected by a court, he shall not be permitted to come back to Qatar before the passage of four years.
Limited contracts: 2 years valid.
Open-ended contracts: 5 years valid.
