Qatar has been steadily improving worker protections and the 2026 Labour Law updates bring further positive changes. Whether you are a skilled professional or a general worker, understanding your rights is essential for a safe and fair working experience in Qatar.
Minimum Wage — Still Protected: Qatar's minimum wage remains at QAR 1,000 basic salary per month, plus a food allowance of QAR 300 and accommodation allowance of QAR 500 if not provided by the employer. This applies to all workers regardless of nationality.
Working Hours: Standard working hours in Qatar are a maximum of 48 hours per week (8 hours per day). During Ramadan, working hours are reduced to a maximum of 36 hours per week (6 hours per day) for all workers, without any cut in salary. Overtime is paid at least 25% above the basic hourly wage, rising to 50% for night overtime.
End of Service Gratuity: Workers who complete one year or more of continuous service are entitled to an end-of-service gratuity of at least 3 weeks' basic pay (21 days) for each year of service. It is payable when employment ends.
Annual Leave and Job Mobility: Workers are entitled to a minimum of 3 weeks paid annual leave per year, rising to 4 weeks after 5 years of service. Importantly, Qatar maintains its no-NOC job mobility policy — workers are free to change employers without needing a No Objection Certificate from their current employer.
New Rules on Strikes (2026): Under Law No. 9 of 2026, workers may strike only when the employer breaches its obligations and settlement has failed. A strike needs approval from three-quarters of the general committee, two weeks' written notice to the employer and the Ministry of Labour, and Ministry approval. Strikes are limited to 6 working days, are treated as unpaid leave, and are not allowed in vital facilities such as oil and gas, power, water, ports, airports, hospitals and transport.
Wings Technical Services (WTS) ensures all workers deployed through us receive their full legal entitlements — proper contracts, timely salary payments, valid visas, and complete end-of-service benefits. For workforce solutions that put people first, contact us at sales@wtsqatar.org or +974 4436 0837.
