Basic labour rights of OFW in Qatar

Security of Tenure

• Probationary period shall not exceed 6 months. 
• Employer may terminate the contract within the probation period if it has been proved to him that the worker is not capable of carrying out the work provided that the employer shall notify the worker thereof before at least 3 days from the date of termination.
• There are no arbitrary dismissal laws and no fixed arbitrary dismissal compensation.  An employee would have to go to a court to get an order for this and the judge would determine compensation depending upon the manner and circumstances of the dismissal. 

Hours of Work

• Maximum of 8 hours a day for a 48-hour work week
• Maximum of 6 hours a day for a 36-hour work month during Ramadan
• No employee shall work for 5 consecutive hours without break for rest and meals of at least 1 hour

Weekly Rest Day

• One rest day for every 6 working days.
• Employee shall not be required to work more than 2 consecutive weeks without a rest day.

Wage and Wage Related Benefits

• Overtime Pay: 25% of the wage
• Overtime Pay (9pm to 6am): 50% of basic wage
• Work during rest day/holiday: substitute rest day or basic wage + not less than 150%
• Annual Leave Pay: Basic wage 
• End of Service Gratuity

Payments of Wages

• Paid in Qatari currency, at the place of work (or through bank transfer)
• Paid at least once a month, except daily wage earners (paid once every 2 weeks)
• Employee shall not be required to purchase foodstuff or other commodities from certain places or from the products of the employer.

Employment of Women

• Maternity leave with full pay: 50 days (must be in the service for a year)

Leave Entitlement

• Less than 3 weeks a year (less than 5 years)
• 4 weeks a year (more than 5 years)
• Qatar national holidays
• Sick leave with full pay: not exceed 2 weeks
• Sick leave with half pay: next 4 weeks
• Sick leave with no pay: more than 4 weeks
• Pilgrimage leave with no pay: not exceeding 2 weeks (once only)

Ministry of Administrative Development and Labor Contacts

Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs
Doha, Diplomatic Area, Alfaisal Tower, Doha, Qatar
Tel: +974 4028 8888
Working Hours: 7:30am – 2:00pm

Ministry of labour and social affairs montazah
Ash-Shahaniyah, Qatar
Tel: +974 6611 6598
Working Hours: 7:30am – 2:00pm

Labor Department
238 C Ring Road, Doha, Qatar
Tel: +974 3340 1167
Working Hours: 7:30am – 2:00pm