Ministry threatens recruitment ban for employing illegal workers

Companies and individuals sheltering or employing runaway/illegal workers will be blacklisted and banned from future recruitments for at least two years, the Ministry of Interior has said.

Those who allow their employees to work with others illegally will face recruitment ban for a period of one year.

The new rules, that have been issued as executive regulations for Law No. 4/2009 that regulate entry, exit, residence and sponsorship of foreign workers will come into force from May 1.

Those violating these rules will also face hefty fines as stipulated by the law.

The Ministry said that stricter regulations have been imposed because many people continue to violate the law despite the penalties.

The new rules ban individuals and companies sheltering or hiding absconding workers from employing them as well as recruiting new employees for two years.

If the violation (sheltering or employing illegal workers) is committed by a company or establishment, it will be banned from recruiting any employee for two years but if it is by an individual, the ban will be confined to him alone, not to his company/ companies.

If there is a court verdict saying that a person or company has employed absconding workers or those who are not under their sponsorship, they will face recruitment ban for two years and fine specified by the law.

The penalties include imprisonment not exceeding three years and/or fine of not more than QR50,000 and in case of a repetition, imprisonment for a period not less than 15 days, and not exceeding three years and a fine of not less than QR 20,000 and not more than QR 100,000.

“To end the trend of absconding, the Ministry is taking steps against those who shelter them illegally; As well, the Search and Follow up Department is carrying out drives throughout the year to hold the violators and those who employ them illegally” Brig. Nasser Mohammed Eissa Al Sayed, Director Search and Follow Up Department (SFD) said in statement yesterday.

He added that it has been learnt from those arrested that there are some segments intentionally working to shelter and employ people illegally with higher perks and benefits to avoid recruitment and training expenses.

“We cannot ignore that the employers are paying huge amounts to recruitment offices and spends money to qualify and train workers providing them the necessary expertise.

At the same time, some are instigating such workers to flee from their sponsors and then offer them special salaries and privileges in violation of the law. This creates problems to the sponsor who has recruited them and he ends up incurring losses,” said Al Sayed.

He said that companies are allowed to lend or hire employees as per the law. For instance, if a company has excess employees who have no work at present, they can lend them to others based on a legal contract. But if a court finds that this was done without a legal basis, the violating company will face recruitment ban for one year.

Al Sayed said that the real objective of the rules is to maintain the rights of both the employers and employees forcing both parties to abide by the law.

He noted that absconding cases as well as complaints about them have declined recently as result of the intensive inspection campaigns and the SFD is striving its best to end this practice totally. Source

Share : Share

17 comments Sort by rating

By irshad tagala• 27 Mar 2014 10:27

Rating: 5/5

lol wot about those poor people who sold there land to get visa and come here to work,and companies not paying them -salary since last 4-5 months , what they will do?

stop making rules think about the work progress and take action against those are abusing labor. its so easy to pass comments by seating in office during your duty time with nice pay without work , think about labor who work hard for 600 or 900 QAR and getting salary after 3-4 months . if they try to go labor court than they kicked away from there and removed from qatar and 2 year bannnnnn why ,,, ha

By sTrangR• 25 Mar 2014 10:34

Rating: 4/5

“We cannot ignore that the employers are paying huge amounts to recruitment offices and spends money to qualify and train workers providing them the necessary expertise."

Only in papers , not in reality. 99% Recruiting agencies are recruiting manpower on the expense of candidates not on company expense .

For an example

Joining Ticket - from Employer on Paper works , but in reality from the worker itself .

Recruiting fees must be paid by Employer on Paper works , But in reality from the worker itself .

We are living in a real world not on dreams . People who live with their petro doller lifestyle thinks that everyone on same wheel .

Enforcing these rules will reduce exploiting people by the Visa Fraudsters , But before enforcing such rules , they have to consider work ban , NOC for changing their carrier for a better future .

Government might be aware that , these people who work on other own visa have a good chance to change their job after the completion of 1 year or two year to a better salary opportunities , so Employers cannot keep such people under them as forever with banning threats / runaway threats/absconding threats .

By Dilgeer• 24 Mar 2014 23:14

this good for who do not respect law... some good news about soft rules over sponsorship/exit permit/2yrs ban...?????? is coming in june-2014,, and single visa .. can expat travel 6countries without visa.. so dream coming true... ??????????? definitely........:)

By Dilgeer• 24 Mar 2014 23:14

By Dilgeer• 24 Mar 2014 23:13

By Dilgeer• 24 Mar 2014 23:12

Rating: 2/5

By lhee ports• 24 Mar 2014 14:29

Everything is ok...what about ordinary employees. it is 2 years ban for who canceling their visa here in qatar?

By jonaethenqr• 23 Mar 2014 11:06

Rating: 3/5

Brilliant step! ................................had to be done long back to avoid all the middlemen and parasites who feed on the working class. Family visas of eligible expats are rejected even when 1000's land here without a proper job to do and those will end up doing local business, real estate commission agents and run many unorganized business set-ups. Let those come here for a purpose for which they are brought for.

By Molten Metal• 23 Mar 2014 10:52

Rating: 2/5

Very good step ....

Sun , 23.03.2014 , 10.52 hrs ..

.............................................................................................................................................

More from Qatar Living

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

This guide brings you the top apps that will simplify the use of government services in Qatar.

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!

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

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

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

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

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.

My account

My saved ads

My saved searches

Logout

Ministry threatens recruitment ban for employing illegal workers

More from Qatar Living