Exit permits scrapped for govt employees, domestic workers
Move aims to establish a modern system that strengthens labour laws
QATAR on Thursday abolished exit permits for almost all migrant workers, including domestic helps and those working in the public sector, as part of the efforts to boost rights of expatriate workers.
Prime Minister and Minister of Interior HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al Thani issued decision No (95) of 2019 regarding controls and procedures for the exit of some categories of expatriates who are not subject to the labour law in Qatar.
The decision is another important step taken by Qatar to establish a modern system that strengthens labour laws in the state and ensures the protection of the rights of all expatriate workers.
According to the new decision, expatriates in the following categories, have the freedom to temporarily or permanently leave the country during the period of validity of their employment contract: employees in ministries and other government agencies; employees in public bodies and institutions; employees in the oil and gas sector and its affiliated companies; employees in the marine vessels; workers in agriculture and grazing; and workers in private offices.
This decision will support Qatari companies by enhancing the global competitiveness of these companies and ensuring their conformity with international labour regulations and international best practices.
The decision also stipulated that the employer has the right to submit a reasoned request to the Ministry of Interior with the names of those who need prior approval before they leave the country because of the nature of their work, not to exceed five percent of the total number of their employees.
According to the new decision, domestic workers subject to Law No (15) of 2017 also have the right to temporary or permanently exit the country during the validity of the work contract. All domestic workers must inform the employer at least 72 hours before they want to leave, in order to ensure the rights of both the employers and the employees are protected.
“The new decision came in accordance with the provisions of the second paragraph of Article 7 of Law No 21 of 2015 regulating the entry and exit of expatriates and their residency,” Director General of Passports Directorate in the Ministry of Interior Major General Mohammed Ahmed al Ateeq stated, adding that implementation of these measures is under way.
Assistant Undersecretary for Labor Affairs at the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labor and Social Affairs Mohammed Hassan al Obaidli said, “The government of Qatar has worked closely with local and international partners and has implemented vast reforms to strengthen labour laws and increase protection for expatriate workers, which has made Qatar a leader in the region. This decision is a declaration of our firm commitment to developing a modern system that suits the needs of both employers and expatriate workers.”