Qatar Employment Guide
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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Navigating Employment Termination in Qatar: A Professional Guide
Terminating employment contracts in Qatar requires careful adherence to legal frameworks. Once an employee completes their probation period, employers must demonstrate valid grounds for termination, ensuring compliance with local labor regulations.
Legitimate Termination Pathways
Qatari law recognizes several compliant termination methods:
- Employee-initiated resignation
- Mutual agreement between both parties
- Employer-initiated termination based on:
- Probationary period performance
- Objective business requirements
- Disciplinary dismissals
- Performance issues related to role suitability
- Contract expiration
Notice Period Requirements
Qatar mandates minimum notice periods that increase with employment duration:
| Service Duration | Notice Period |
|---|---|
| Under 5 years | 30 days |
| Over 5 years | 60 days |
| During probation | 3 days |
End-of-Service Benefits Calculation
All terminated employees in Qatar qualify for end-of-service benefits, calculated according to tenure:
- Less than 5 years service: 3 weeks' salary per year
- 5-10 years service: 4 weeks' salary per year
- Over 10 years service: 5 weeks' salary per year
For example, an employee with 7 years of service would receive 28 weeks' salary (7 years × 4 weeks).
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