Qatar

Capital: Doha

Currency: Qatari Riyal- QAR

QAR

Qatar Labor Law and Employment Policy Overview

Key Legislations:
- Labor Law (Law No. 14 of 2004)
- Social Insurance Law (Law No. 21 of 2002)
- Labor Law Executive Regulations (Ministerial Decree No. 1 of 2005)
Legal Characteristics:
- Aims to protect employees' rights and benefits
- Stipulates minimum wage, working hours, leave entitlements, severance pay, etc.

Contract Types:
- Fixed-term contract (not exceeding 5 years)
- Indefinite-term contract
- Completion of work contract (not exceeding 4 weeks)
Contractual Provisions:
- Mandatory inclusions:
  - Employer's name and place of business
  - Employee's name, address, qualifications, nationality, residence, and ID
  - Contract type
  - Place and date of contract execution
  - Job description
  - Probation period
  - Commencement date
  - Benefits and leave entitlements
  - Duration (if fixed-term)
  - Salary, payment method, and payment intervals
Language and Currency:
- Contracts must be written in Arabic
- If the employee is not proficient in Arabic, a translated version should be attached
- Salaries must be paid in Qatari Riyals

Standard Working Hours: 48 hours per week, 8 hours per day
Rest Days and Breaks:
- One rest day per week (usually Friday)
- Working hours reduced to 6 hours per day during Ramadan

Annual Leave:
- Employees with 1-5 years of service: 3 weeks paid annual leave
- Employees with 5+ years of service: 4 weeks paid annual leave
Public Holidays: 6
Special Leaves:
- Sick Leave: 14 days full pay, 4 weeks half pay after 3 months of service
- Maternity Leave: 50 days paid leave after 1 year of service (15 days before delivery, minimum 35 days after delivery)
- Paternity Leave: Typically 5 days (not legally stipulated)
- Hajj Leave: Muslim employees are entitled to a one-time 20-day unpaid leave for Hajj

Notice Period:
- 0-5 years of service: 1 month's notice
- 5+ years of service: 2 months' notice
Severance Pay:
- Employees with 1+ year of service:
  - 1-5 years of service: 3 weeks' salary for each year of service
  - 6-10 years of service: 4 weeks' salary for each year of service
  - 11-20 years of service: 5 weeks' salary for each year of service
  - 20+ years of service: 6 weeks' salary for each year of service
Unfair Dismissal Protection:
- Employers cannot terminate employees without valid reasons
- Employees can file a grievance against unfair dismissal

Insurance Policy:
- Qatari nationals enjoy government-funded healthcare
- Expatriate employees usually need to purchase private health insurance
Insurance Coverage:
- Medical, dental, and vision care

Minimum Wage: QAR 1,000 per month
Salary Structure:
- Basic salary
- Bonuses (performance-based)
- Allowances (housing, transportation, etc.)

Permit Requirements:
- Expatriate employees require a work permit and a residence visa
Application Process:
- Application submitted by the employer to the Qatari Ministry of Interior
- Application requires documents such as passport, educational certificates, employment history

Enforceability:
- Confidentiality and non-compete clauses are enforceable in Qatar
Common Provisions:
- Restricting employees from using or disclosing the employer's confidential information after leaving employment
- Restricting employees from working for competitors after leaving employment

Legal Requirements:
- Employers must provide safety training and skill enhancement training to employees
Government Support:
- Government provides training grants and programs

Legal Requirements:
- Discrimination based on race, religion, gender, nationality, etc. is prohibited
Enforcement Measures:
- Employers must establish anti-discrimination policies and procedures

Legal Framework:
- Remote work is not explicitly regulated by law in Qatar
Tax and Insurance Implications:
- Remote work may impact tax and social insurance contributions