Qatar’s new residency law to come into effect on December 13

Qatar’s new residency law to come into effect on December 13

Qatar Living
By Qatar Living

People living in Qatar have reasons to be happy as the new residency law, which was published in the gazette last year, will come into effect on December 13.

The new law No. 21 of 2015 regulating the entry, exit and residency of expatriates is expected to bring in a shift in how things are done now.

The Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs had recently started a two-month awareness campaign to promote understanding about the new law.

The new law could have a large impact in the way expatriates work in Qatar.

Under the new law, the sponsorship (kafala) system will be replaced by a contract-based one. The exit permit system will be revoked and workers can come back to Qatar the next day of their departure if he/she found new work contracts, reported The Peninsula, quoting Jaznan Al Shammari, a prominent lawyer and vice-chairman of Qatari Lawyers Association.

The law is expected to have more teeth when it comes to resolution of labour disputes.

The original work contract will clearly mention the conditions under which a person can be terminated from his or her job.

Existing contracts of employees will be valid as long as he or she wishes to continue in the job.

All types of contracts are expected to start from the date of enforcement of the new law, regardless of how many years the employee had served in the company. However, this does not mean the previous years of service are not counted.

By syedabdhahir• 24 Oct 2016 19:34
syedabdhahir

What if employer fired the employees before December 13, 2016...Will they come back as per NEW LAW...?

As per new law, they can come back right...those who fired by the employers .......They have NO problems inj JOINING another company

By britexpat• 23 Oct 2016 15:02
britexpat

The simple answer is yes , you can resign any time.. same as current law..

Will you be able to come back with another company straight away - that is the 64,000 dollar question..

By ConnectQatar• 23 Oct 2016 14:32
ConnectQatar

Nothing much changed ...lol

By bernzkilot• 23 Oct 2016 11:42
bernzkilot

does this mean we can resign to our current company without completing the contract?

By blueshift• 23 Oct 2016 10:22
blueshift

There seems to be very little difference - still need to complete 5 years of service to avoid a ban.

By britexpat• 23 Oct 2016 09:01
britexpat

The new law will be published in full once it is in force. At present, we are just getting snippets from briefings and newspapers..

By hamzah1234• 23 Oct 2016 08:57
hamzah1234

Anybody have the Authentic new law? because the versions i've read from news to news differs I don't know which one is right.

By Wild Turkey• 23 Oct 2016 08:39
Wild Turkey

Dubious as always. You MUST complete five years with one sponsor before you can change the job. Otherwise, two years ban! Only the foolish believe that this new law will change anything!

By deepakjoyin• 23 Oct 2016 07:55
deepakjoyin

"All types of contracts are expected to start from the date of enforcement of the new law, regardless of how many years the employee had served in the company" which means until FIFA 2022 we are stuck with current job

By muad-db• 23 Oct 2016 07:25
muad-db

We are so happy .. So many friends will be back in December now .. Joys

By britexpat• 23 Oct 2016 07:17
britexpat

Great news...

I am confused though - "The exit permit system will be revoked and workers can come back to Qatar the next day of their departure if he/she found new work contracts"

Surely this only applies if you completed the previous contract.

By simed1• 23 Oct 2016 07:15
simed1

Great Move ... long awaited.....

I hope it will be implemented in a transparent manner, otherwise it will be just another eye-wash replacement.

Joys to everyone .

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