Tips for Migrant Workers in Qatar

Updated on 17-11-2021: 

Here is a recent compilation of useful tips for migrant workers in Qatar (available in English, Arabic, Hindi, Malayalam, Bengali, Nepali, Bahasa, Urdu, Sinhala, Tamil and Tagalog):

The online e-government portal Hukoomi offers information about Qatar’s social and economic structures, rules and customs including immigration and employment related matters in English and Arabic. In addition, Hukoomi for Migrant Workers provides information and services targeted particularly at migrant workers living in Qatar in English, Arabic, Hindi, Nepalese and Filipino language. One especially interesting learning tool for newcomers to Qatar called ‘Be smart be safe’ information which will be useful in the day-to-day working life such as health and safety topics. You can also find a list of useful contact points for instance in case of emergencies and a list of embassies in Qatar. You can also find guidelines for new migrant workers on the portal.

Based on these guidelines and the existing literature the following tips for migrant workers can be formulated:

• Do not migrate to Qatar without having found an approved sponsor
• Do not let employers and/ or sponsors confiscate your travel and/or identification documents.
• When starting a new job, three employment contracts should be issued and approved by the labor relations department. Make sure to keep one original copy for yourself.
• After having worked for three months for the same employer you are entitled to paid sick leave.
• After having worked for one year for the same employer, you are entitled to paid annual leave of at least three weeks
• Normal working hours are eight hours per day, overtime work should be paid and may not exceed two hours per day
• Friday is the weekly rest day for all workers, except for shift workers

This short video summarises your rights and obligations as migrant worker in Qatar.

In addition to the general guidelines, there are other sources targeted at specific groups. For example, ILO guides for Indian workers (in English, Hindi, and Telugu) , Nepali workers (in English and Nepali), and Bangladeshi workers in Qatar, targeting low- and semi-skilled migrant workers and focusing on safety and avoidance of exploitation and abuse. Similarly, the Qatar OFW website includes detailed information on living and working in Qatar, targeting Filipino workers. The Qatar Council for Healthcare Practitioners has published guidelines specifically for dentists and physicians.