Labor law changes to be announced Wednesday

Labor law changes to be announced Wednesday

mohdnoor
By mohdnoor

Click here for the latest updates: Qatar announces changes to labour laws

The Ministry of Interior has scheduled a press conference tomorrow afternoon to announce amendments to Qatar's existing labor laws.

Senior officials within the Ministry confirmed last week that the changes would come "very soon" and it seems the long wait is finally about to pay-off.

However, residents are still anxious to know if the changes will be in favour of the working class.

"I am hoping they will at least remove the rule of getting exit permits from sponsors so that people like us need not worry about traveling anymore," said Mohamed Walid, a local trader, after learning about tomorrow's press conference.

If the exit permit system is removed, it will be a major blow to Qatar's business sector as they will have diminished control over the departure of their employees. 

However, the system was quite effective in preventing expatriates from leaving the country before settling their financial liabilities.

The announcement could also be a prompt response to pressure from several foreign organisations like Amnesty International to relax certain labor laws and give the working class more rights.

The Ministry has already taken steps to protect labour rights like implementing the Wage Protection System, which will be closely monitored by the government. The WPS will help to keep employers in check that refuse to pay salaries to their employees.

What changes are you hoping to see in the labor laws?

Photo by Mohammed Noorudeen

By Schofield8• 15 May 2014 00:31
Schofield8

YESSSSSSSSSS!!!!! Khalliwalli, 40 hour work week! I would love to see that!!! I have a question, it says in the law a 24 hour rest PAID? Is this for Friday Rest?

By mimhazib• 14 May 2014 16:45
mimhazib

Please don't delay the salary of labors. if delayed the salary by company, please give a big punishment to those companies... at lease 10,000 Qr per day.....!

By J bangash• 14 May 2014 14:28
J bangash

Transfer of sponsorship is also a big problem for many peoples .... The ministry should also work on it...

By J bangash• 14 May 2014 14:19
J bangash

We hope that labour ministry of qatar will take an effective steps for workers in qatar to make their lives easy in the state

By J bangash• 14 May 2014 14:19
J bangash

We hope that labour ministry of qatar will take an effective steps for workers in qatar to make their lives easy in the state

By fubar• 14 May 2014 13:02
fubar

I'm setting my sights low Khalli. We can't expect them to give everyone equal rights and freedoms overnight. It will need to be a gradual process.

MM: you're comment seems to be on the wrong thread. The other posters are discussing workers' rights, labor reforms and government legislation about exit permits and NOCs. I don't know what any of that would have to do with bars and pupils? Please put your comments on the relevant thread and be more careful next time.

By Molten Metal• 14 May 2014 12:35
Molten Metal

Khalli , What's in your mind , in Europe bars open full day for the pupils even ....................... ....... .. ! Wed , 14.05.2014 , 12.35 hrs ..

By Anonymous• 14 May 2014 12:21

i am sure exit permit system will be abolished, but, sponsor change is the problem, no need NOC any more, but should have completed the number of years mentioned in contract

By ishu369• 14 May 2014 11:46
ishu369

Guys dont expect much.

indeed the country is going to relax few rules not abolish. this would benefit the labors for an extend. for white/blue collar jobs dont expect too much.

also the job change would be made possible if you work under a sponsor for two years, effective now. means you have to work another 2 years under your sponsor for a job change or the same transfer rules applies.

the exit is one thing which all expatriates are looking forward too. lets hope

By e2mac01• 14 May 2014 11:30
e2mac01

abolish N.O.C.

By sajjad gillani• 14 May 2014 11:27
sajjad gillani

Relaxation should be done in Family permanent visa rules.

By vherthugz132014• 14 May 2014 10:58
vherthugz132014

many people expecting this QPS, but don't celebrate too early i heard this story long time ago. but stil hoping

By fubar• 14 May 2014 10:45
fubar

I can't see any reason why laws that work in Dubai wouldn't work in Qatar. So why not just implement them and be done with it?

By BOXBE16DOBARA• 14 May 2014 10:18
BOXBE16DOBARA

iam sure the same law as dubai will be or might be implemented...and if yes then excellent

By dolphinsentinel• 14 May 2014 09:38
dolphinsentinel

CONTRACT SUBSTITUTION should be the first to be addressed. I believe this is the main reason why there is a stigma of slavery in this hospitable country. Some companies are doing damage in the good image of Qatar. Most firms are doing this and the poor worker who have spent a fortune just to get here, are enslaved with low salary and longer working hours. - And in some cases, they are being required to work seven days a week without overtime pay.

By manumanu07• 14 May 2014 09:23
manumanu07

Guyzzzzzz......Our company delayed the salary now SIX month..........We all are waiting for the new labor law........

By landloverreview• 14 May 2014 09:16
landloverreview

Samzul, it would not be called as FAVOR, they come under basic human rights.

By samzul• 14 May 2014 08:42
samzul

we hope qatar govt will do some favor for the foreigners.

By blueboy007• 14 May 2014 08:28
blueboy007

Salary delay is a big problem not only in Qatar but in GCC. I had been in UAE, who were using WPS, even then devil companies used to by pass/cheat it in some ways. But at least WPS will assist staff to some extent. Next, this 2 years ban, this is the biggest dream I am counting on.. I really hope this will happen today.. this will be like a slap on bL00dy "Mudeers"

Wish everybody the best,specially the ones who are really struggling here..

By ramziyasl• 14 May 2014 08:00
ramziyasl

Ela giri.........I hope.....Some indian companies are delaying salary....

By shahahs• 14 May 2014 07:03
shahahs

Hope for the best. inshAllah

By jhenjoel• 14 May 2014 06:23
jhenjoel

hello asalamalaikom everyone

i just wanna ask if i can get my family visit visa even i was cancelled by my company 9 months ago..it is posible i can get my family visit visa under my husband?thanks i need to know

By pirate lover• 13 May 2014 23:03
pirate lover

WIsh All companies ruled by $#C< Palestinians r scrapped,,,,, :)))

By riyasap79• 13 May 2014 22:37
riyasap79

need a correct time salary system

By riyasap79• 13 May 2014 22:34
riyasap79

we need to get correct time salary

By dreamteam1• 13 May 2014 20:38
dreamteam1

wait till next national day

By usju• 13 May 2014 18:58
usju

I just want a reduction in the ban period for employees trying to change their job from 2 years to at most 6 months. But I dont expect this to happen tomorrow.

By mukerama• 13 May 2014 18:54
mukerama

WPS not yet launched i think. I am working in a company which have more than 1000 employees. but labor dont have salaries from last 2 months and staff dont have from last 2.5 months :)

When WPS will be launched :(

Log in or register to post comments

More from Qatar Living

Qatar’s top beaches for water sports thrills

Qatar’s top beaches for water sports thrills

Let's dive into the best beaches in Qatar, where you can have a blast with water activities, sports and all around fun times.
Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part Two

Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part Two

This guide brings you the top apps that will simplify the use of government services in Qatar.
Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part One

Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part One

this guide presents the top must-have Qatar-based apps to help you navigate, dine, explore, access government services, and more in the country.
Winter is coming – Qatar’s seasonal adventures await!

Winter is coming – Qatar’s seasonal adventures await!

Qatar's winter months are brimming with unmissable experiences, from the AFC Asian Cup 2023 to the World Aquatics Championships Doha 2024 and a variety of outdoor adventures and cultural delights.
7 Days of Fun: One-Week Activity Plan for Kids

7 Days of Fun: One-Week Activity Plan for Kids

Stuck with a week-long holiday and bored kids? We've got a one week activity plan for fun, learning, and lasting memories.
Wallet-friendly Mango Sticky Rice restaurants that are delightful on a budget

Wallet-friendly Mango Sticky Rice restaurants that are delightful on a budget

Fasten your seatbelts and get ready for a sweet escape into the world of budget-friendly Mango Sticky Rice that's sure to satisfy both your cravings and your budget!
Places to enjoy Mango Sticky Rice in  high-end elegance

Places to enjoy Mango Sticky Rice in high-end elegance

Delve into a world of culinary luxury as we explore the upmarket hotels and fine dining restaurants serving exquisite Mango Sticky Rice.
Where to celebrate World Vegan Day in Qatar

Where to celebrate World Vegan Day in Qatar

Celebrate World Vegan Day with our list of vegan food outlets offering an array of delectable options, spanning from colorful salads to savory shawarma and indulgent desserts.