Working in Qatar

The State of Qatar is keen on employing human resources that support its development journey and contribute to flourishing its diversified economy by recruiting resources of experience and high skills and help create opportunities for all citizens, residents, and visitors.

Citizens, residents and visitors are employed in the State of Qatar through the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labor and Social Affairs (MADLSA) the official authority in the country, Qatari and resident citizens for their contribution to the national development once they get the needed approvals.

Citizens and children of Qataris can apply for job via Kawader National Recruitment Portal in either public or private sector which was launched by MADLSA to facilitate the recruitment procedures for job candidates by searching for employment opportunities in various sectors and follow up with the nominee to track their employment seamlessly.

Explore a New Life in Qatar

Individuals all over the world can pursue new career opportunities in Qatar and contribute to its ever-growing economy, as well as achieve its vision represented in its National Development goals through the second National Development Strategy 2018-2022 where Qatar seeks to create a competitive and attractive business environment that is based on strengthening the regional and international status of the Qatari economy through knowledge based development and economic diversification in all fields, as well as creating investment opportunities in the infrastructure of next-generation networks to build an integrated digital society.

Applying for a Visa

At the moment only Citizens, their travelling companions, and residency permit holders can enter the country, and due to the restrictions imposed by COVID-19 and the instructions of the Ministry of Public Health, entry to the state of Qatar for all tourists are temporarily suspended until further notice.

For further details and updates, please visit the FAQ on Discover Qatar website.

You may also check Qatar Travel Policy on MOPH website.

Labor Reform Updates

The state of Qatar has Introduced new labor reforms that benefits both employers and employees in Qatar and to grant the welfare of all parties involved as follows:

• Employees will no longer need a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from their previous employer to terminate their contracts under the condition that they provide a one month’s written notice if they have worked with the employer for two years or less, or two months’ notice if they have worked with the employer for over two years.
• Employees will no longer need exit permits to leave the country, this includes domestic workers who are not subject to Qatar’s labor Law and does not include military personnel.
• Domestic workers are obligated to notify their employer at least 72 hours prior to their departure.
• An employer has the right to submit a prior reasoned request to the Ministry of Interior including the names of those whom they deem necessary to obtain prior approval before leaving the country due to the nature of their work, provided that it does not exceed 5% of employees.
• Employees can be placed on probation period as agreed upon with their employer, as long as it is no more than six months from the date of their work start date.
• All workers in Qatar without any discrimination are entitled to receive a minimum wage of 1000 Qatari riyals per month. With an additional 500 for accommodation expenses, and QAR 300 per month for food.
• Establishment of Qatar Visa Centers (QVCs) will allow for an accelerated recruitment process in India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Philippines and Tunisia.
• Workers in companies with 30 or more employees can elect their own representatives whether they are workers or employers, to discuss workplace issues such as the organization of work, ways to increase production, and development, workers’ training programs, risk prevention tools, and ways to improve the level of adherence to occupational safety and health rules.

For more information, please visit the Government Communication Office website.

You can also visit the labor sector page on the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labor, and Social Affairs (MADLSA).

Working Safely

Qatar offers a safe working environment for its employees; it is also considered one of the lowest countries in terms of crime rate and is often in the top ranking in the adopted crime and safety index such as Numbeo.

Additionally, Qatar gives priority to the safety and health of employees by ensuring that they are provided occupational health programs which will help in improving their productivity and allow them to adopt a healthy lifestyle and prevent workplace trauma and injuries, especially those resulting from manual workforce.

All of this results in enhancing the occupational health regulations and policy which is outlined in National Health Strategy 2018-2022 that aims to enhance preparedness for emergency cases, and health risks through continues assessment of employee’s needs, as well as improving the skills and capabilities of all employees working in the public health sector.

For more information, please read the Occupational Safety and Health Policy in the State Qatar