A no-objection certificate (NOC) has been removed as a requirement for expats when changing jobs in Qatar
30 August 2020
| Last updated on 6 September 2020The change in this labour law aims to improve greater competition in the country's labour market
As of August 30th, 2020, expat workers in Qatar will no longer need to obtain or provide a no-objection certificate (NOC) to change employers before the end of their current contract.
Prior to the change in labour law, expat employees in Qatar were required to provide a NOC from their previous employer so that they can switch jobs.
However, employees must give at least a one month's written notice if they have worked at the company for less than two years. If they worked for an employer for over two years, this is increased to a two months' notice.
"ADLSA pointed to Decree Law No. 18 of 2020 and Decree Law No. 19 of 2020 amending some provisions regulating the entry and exit of expatriates and their residence, which will drive greater competition in Qatar's labor market by allowing employees to change employers," tweeted the Qatar News Agency.
Minimum wage introduced
“The State of Qatar is committed to creating a modern and dynamic labour market," said HE Yousuf Mohamed Al Othman Fakhroo, Minister of Administrative Development, Labour & Social Affairs in Qatar.
“In line with Qatar Vision 2030, these new laws mark a major milestone in this journey and will benefit workers, employers, and the nation alike," he continued.
Other Qatar labour law reforms include a new non-discriminatory minimum wage. All private sector employees must earn a basic wage of QR 1,000 per month, including QR 500 per month for accommodation and QR 300 per month for food, if it not already provided.