Qatar Employment Guide

Qatar, located on the Arabian Peninsula along the Persian Gulf, has a population of around 3 million, with expatriates making up the majority of the workforce. Its economy is driven by natural gas, oil, construction, finance, and services. Employment is regulated by the Qatar Labor Law, which covers contracts, working hours (usually 48 per week, reduced during Ramadan), annual leave, end-of-service benefits, and workplace safety. Employers must provide health insurance and process work visas for foreign employees under the sponsorship system. Labor reforms in recent years have improved worker mobility and protection.

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Currency

Qatari riyal (QAR)

Capital

Doha

Official language

Arabic (English widely used in business)

Salary Cycle

Monthly

Our Employment Guide in Qatar

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Maternity Leave Policy

Employees who have completed 12 consecutive months of service are entitled to 50 days of fully paid maternity leave. This leave can be taken in two separate periods if needed. During this time, employees receive 100% of their regular salary, with the employer responsible for all payments.

Paternity Leave Regulations

Current legislation does not mandate paternity leave provisions. However, forward-thinking companies like SailGlobal often implement voluntary paternity leave policies to support new fathers and promote family-friendly workplaces.

Sick Leave Entitlements

Employees may take up to 6 weeks of paid sick leave annually. The compensation structure varies based on duration:

Duration	Salary Coverage	Responsible Party
Days 0-14	100% of salary	Employer
Days 15-42	50% of base salary	Employer

International Best Practices

Many multinational corporations now extend benefits beyond legal requirements. For instance, SailGlobal offers flexible sick leave options and mental health support programs, recognizing that comprehensive wellness policies contribute to higher employee retention and productivity.

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