01/09/2020 Changes in the labour market in Qatar: Dismantling the kafala system and introducing a minimum wage mark new era for Qatar lab… Changes in the labour market in Qatar Dismantling the kafala system and introducing a minimum wage mark new era for Qatar labour market Greater freedom to change jobs, combined with a non-discriminatory minimum wage, will benefit employers and workers alike Press release | 30 August 2020 © Giuseppe Cacace / AFP DOHA (ILO News) – In a historic move, the State of Qatar has introduced major changes to its labour market, ending the requirement for migrant workers to obtain their employer’s permission to change jobs, while also becoming the first country in the region to adopt a nondiscriminatory minimum wage. Following the adoption on 30 August 2020 of Law No. 18 of 2020, migrant workers can now change jobs before the end of their contract without first having to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their employer. This new law, coupled with the removal of exit permit requirements earlier in the year, effectively dismantles the “kafala” sponsorship system and https://www.ilo.org/beirut/projects/qatar-office/WCMS_754391/lang--en/index.htm#:~:text=Following the adoption on 30,(NOC) from their employer 1/3

Select target paragraph3