Qatar New Labor Law in 2024

September 1, 2024, the Qatar Ministry of Labor announced significant changes to its labor laws to foster a more inclusive and competitive labor market. On October 17, 2024, Law No. 12 of 2024 on the “Qatarization of Jobs in the Private Sector” was published in Qatar’s Official Gazette and will go into effect six months from this date. The cornerstone of these reforms focuses on nationalizing jobs in the private sector. Further implementation decisions are also expected to be issued by the Council of Ministers and the Ministry of Labor.

The regulation, known as the “Qatarization Law,” requires private companies in Qatar to prioritize hiring nationals over foreign workers. This is part of the government’ s efforts to increase the participation of its citizens in the workforce and reduce its reliance on foreign labor. Private companies are expected to comply with the law and ensure that a certain percentage of their workforce consists of Qatari Nationals. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in heavy fines and penalties for private companies in Qatar. It is important for companies to understand and follow these laws to maintain positive relationships with the local government and avoid any legal repercussions. By hiring local nationals in the private sector, companies can also contribute to the development and growth of the country’s workforce and economy.

The law applies to all commercial companies operating in Qatar. However, companies fully or partially owned by Qatar Energy and companies engaged in petroleum operations and petrochemical industries are excluded from the law. The sectors affected by Qatar’s job nationalization law are all private companies, including state-owned, state-participated, and privately-owned businesses, as well as non-profit institutions, sports organizations, and associations registered in Qatar. Financial incentives are provided to companies that meet these nationalization quotas. At the same time, training programs are set up to equip Qatari Nationals with the necessary skills to thrive in the private sector.

For more information on how this new law is being applied in practice, please get in touch with Senior Commercial Specialist Anissa Lahreche at anissa.lahreche@trade.gov