Cairo: A minimum wage for expatriate workers has taken effect in Qatar as part of labour reforms unveiled last August, according to Qatari media.
The Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs announced the implementation of the new minimum wage for all workers beginning Saturday, the Qatari news agency QNA reported.
According to the new rules, the minimum wage is set at 1,000 Qatari riyals per month. An additional QAR 500 must be allocated per month by the employer for accommodation. Three hundred more riyals per month must be offered for food unless the employer provides both the accommodation and the food.
The minimum wage covers employees across all sectors in Qatar including domestic workers.
Minister of Administrative Development Yousuf Mohamed said that a committee will be formed and tasked with constant review of the minimum wage.
Job mobility
As part of the labour changes, foreign workers in Qatar will no longer need non-objection certificate to terminate their contracts, allowing them the opportunity for job mobility.
Employees are given the right to terminate their contracts, providing at least one month’s written notice if they have worked with the employer for two years or less, or two months’ notice if they have worked with the employer for over two years.
Qatari authorities have said the reforms aim to protect workers’ rights, stimulate economic growth, and open doors for investors, employers and employees alike.
They will also boost competitiveness at the Qatari labour market by allowing employees to change employers and the latter to attract the best talents to the local job market.
