WATCH: Qatar decides to partially do away with exit permit system for expatriate workers
In a major policy change, Qatar has decided to partially do away with the exit permit system for expatriate workers.
Until now, it was mandatory for an expat to apply for and get an exit permit from their employers if they needed to leave the country for short periods.
The International Labour Organisation’s official website said that migrant workers in Qatar covered by the Labour Code will no longer have to obtain exit permits in order to leave the country.
Migrant workers in Qatar covered by the Labour Code will no longer have to obtain exit permits in order to leave the country following enactment today of new law.
— ILO Project Office for the State of Qatar (@ILOQatar) September 4, 2018
New legislation adopted on September 4, 2018, marks a significant step in upholding the fundamental rights of migrant workers in Qatar, it said.
HH the Amir issued today the Law No. 13 of 2018, amending certain provisions of the Law No. 21 of 2015 regulating the entry, exit and residency of expatriates.
— Qatar News Agency (@QNAEnglish) September 4, 2018
The new law specifies that employers may submit for approval to the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs the names of workers for whom a ‘no objection certificate’ would still be required, with a justification based on the nature of their work.
The number of these workers per company shall not exceed 5% of their workforce.
A Ministerial Decree will follow outlining rules and procedures allowing the exit of workers who fall outside the Labour Code.
.@ILOQatar announces exit permit requirement for #migrants has been officially repealed. #Qatar had committed to doing so after the ILO dropped a forced labour complaint in November 2017. An important step towards facilitating freedom of movement. Next up: NOCs. https://t.co/gjWF7j4LaC
— Malik Habayeb (@MalikHabayeb) September 4, 2018
Law No. 13 of 2018, amends provisions of Law No. 21 of 2015 and Law No. 1 of 2017, which regulate the entry and exit of expatriates.
Under the previous legal framework, all migrant workers were required to obtain an exit permit from their employer in order to leave Qatar. With this new law, migrant workers covered by the Labour Code will be able to leave Qatar without having to obtain such a permit.
“The ILO welcomes the enactment of Law No. 13, which will have a direct and positive impact on the lives of migrant workers in Qatar. This first step towards full suppression of exit permits is a clear sign of commitment by the Government of Qatar to labour reforms and a key milestone in the process. The ILO will continue to work closely with the government of Qatar on these reforms,” said Houtan Homayounpour, the Head of the ILO Project Office for Qatar.
“The adoption of this law is another step in our continued drive to provide decent work for all migrant workers in Qatar and to ensure their protection.” said Dr. Issa Saad Al Jafali Al Nuaimi, Minister of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs.
An exchange house in Doha who recently changed its name because they used to have an emirati name has recently informed their staffs that they will collect all their passports as a form of risk control. Is this even legal? I am sure they not aware about the names to be submitted who should still require exit permit upon implementation of the new rule. Your thoughts on this please...
An exchange house in Doha who recently changed its name because they used to have an emirati name has recently informed their staffs that they will collect all their passports as a form of risk control. Is this even legal? I am sure they not aware about the names to be submitted who should still require exit permit upon implementation of the new rule. Your thoughts on this please...
find more info
Dear Pioneer,
With this 5 percentage still an employer can held all his office staff. Because most of the company have labour work force and the office & admin will be minimum.
Dear Airshad
As per this new Law,
95% of the Employees will not require Exit Permit.
Only 5% of the Employees need NOC to Exit.
The report above lead to a confusion with me also thinking only 5% will not require exit permit. It was in the news , then I got the Guttens.
Can anybody highlighted where it mentioned when this new law will be Implemented or come into effect?
I believe very soon, same like last 3-4 year !
This new law specifies that employers may submit for approval to the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs the names of workers for whom a “no objection certificate” would still be required, with a justification based on the nature of their work. The number of these workers per company shall not exceed five per cent of their workforce..
This is again same policy "give with one hand and take away with the other"
This new law specifies that employers may submit for approval to the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs the names of workers for whom a “no objection certificate” would still be required, with a justification based on the nature of their work. The number of these workers per company shall not exceed five per cent of their workforce..
This is again same policy "give with one hand and take away with the other"