Qatar - Labor



About 70% of the economically active population is engaged in industry (largely oil-related), commerce, and services. Of the remainder, about 10% work in the agricultural sector and 20% in government. The workforce totaled 280,122, or 53.7% of the population, in 1998. No labor may be recruited without the approval of the Department of Labor, and vacancies must be offered first to Qataris, second to Arabs, and only then to foreigners, who comprised 85% of the workforce in 1992. In 2001, the unemployment rate was 2.7%.

Trade unions are prohibited, and strikes are permitted only after the case has been presented to the Labor Department of the Ministry of Civil Service and an agreement cannot be reached. Government employees, security forces employees, domestic workers, and members of an employer's family are not permitted to strike, nor are workers in public health or security if such a strike would harm the public or lead to property damage. Workers are prohibited from engaging in collective bargaining.

The standard workweek is 48 hours, although most government offices set a 36 hour week. Children as young as 15 may work with parental permission, and some young non-Qataris work in family businesses. However, youths of any nationality do not frequently work in Qatar. While the labor law gives the Amir the authority to set a minimum wage, he has not chosen to do so. Enforcement of safety standards is lax.

Also read article about Qatar from Wikipedia

User Contributions:

1
Eric Araza
Sir,

My friend ends his employment of contract in this month of October 9, 2009. He had requested NOC 2-weeks ago in writing but his company disapproved.Isn't Right??

If he haven't N.O.C how long his going to wait before he can comeback in Qatar as per Qatar Labor Law.

Please advise.
sir,

my contract ends last march 14, 2011. i gave my resignation last january 2011. last april i told my manager that i want to go by april 5 or 10. but he told me that he wont let me go home and told me that he will not give my gratuity if ill go by that time.. until now im still here in qatar... what can i do about this?
Sir.
Im working here in Qatar for 5 years, and i want to know if i resign to my company, do i get my gratuity and do i have right to ask for N.O.C?
And how long i should wait before i can come back here in Qatar?

Please Sir i need your advice
Thank you!

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