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​Qatar is the first country in the region to introduce a non-discriminatory minimum wage, and this new law has finally come into force in 2021 – applying to all workers, of all nationalities, in all sectors, including domestic workers.

​To help workers understand this new law, the International Labour Organization (ILO) has published the following Frequently Asked Questions and Answers. Read on to learn more from these key information for all employees in Qatar:

What is the new minimum wage?

With the new minimum wage, your employer will be legally required to pay you a basic wage of no less than QAR 1,000 a month and provide you with decent accommodation and food.

However, your employer may prefer to pay you more money so you can arrange your own food and choose your own accommodation.

Are you looking for a good employer offering a high salary package? A staffing recruitment in Doha can help you land a job with a reasonable compensation package.

​But, before you start your job search, check out these three different rates for the minimum wage:

​1. If your employer provides you with decent food and accommodation (that is, you do not pay for food and accommodation), you are entitled to a basic wage of at least QAR 1,000.

​2. If your employer provides you with decent accommodation, but does not provide you with food, you are entitled to a food allowance of no less than QAR 300 on top of a basic wage of at least QAR 1,000. In this case, you should receive at least QAR 1,300 per month.

​3. If your employer does not provide you with accommodation or food, you are entitled to allowances of no less than QAR 300 for food and QAR 500 for accommodation on top of a basic wage of at least QAR 1,000. In this case, you should receive at least QAR 1,800 per month.

What is the purpose of the new minimum wage?

​The Government of Qatar has adopted a minimum wage. The new minimum wage has been introduced to improve living standards for workers and their families back home. It will also lead to a more skilled and productive workforce as well as more Qatar jobs for expats.

​“This wage increase will also improve the lives of a large number of family members in the workers’ countries of origin who rely on the remittances sent every month,” said Max Tuñón from the ILO Project Office in Qatar.

Does the minimum wage apply to all workers in Qatar?

Yes. The minimum wage applies to all workers regardless of which country they come from, and whatever job they are doing. This includes women and men employed by households.

​More than 400,000 workers or 20 percent of the private sector will benefit directly from the new law. 

When will the minimum wage come into force?

The minimum wage has already come into force since Saturday 20 March 2021.

What are the minimum accommodation and food standards?

If your employer is providing you with accommodation, they need to follow the standards in Ministerial Decision No. 18 of 2014. If they provide you with food, you should have three meals per day, that are culturally appropriate, nutritious and provide sufficient calories.

How will my overtime be calculated?

When the new minimum wage comes into force, the overtime rate must be based on no less than the new minimum basic wage. It could be higher, depending on the terms of your contract.

Read also: Working in Qatar: How to Calculate Your Overtime Pay?

How will my end of service gratuity be calculated?

If your contract ends after the new minimum wage comes into force, your end of service gratuity should be calculated based on no less than the new minimum basic wage

Read also: How to Calculate End-of-service Gratuity in Qatar and When is it Payable?

Under my current contract I am receiving less than the new minimum wage. Does the new law apply to me?​Yes, after the new minimum wage comes into force, the new law applies to you regardless of the amount stated in your current contract. From 20 March 2021, your employer is legally required to pay you at least QAR 1,000 per month, even if your contract states a wage under this amount.

The law does not require you and your employer to sign a new contract in order for you to receive the new wage. However, it is good practice for an employer to communicate in writing any changes to pay and conditions brought about by the new legislation.

Will I be affected if I am already receiving more than the new minimum wage?

Not necessarily. If your basic wage, food and accommodation are already above what is required by law, your employer is not obliged to increase your pay. You can try to negotiate a higher salary or more benefits, but it would have to be agreed to by your employer.

Can my employer reduce my pay to the new minimum wage?

​If your employer attempts to reduce your pay to the minimum wage level, this would constitute a breach of contract, and you could lodge a complaint. Article 4 of the new Ministerial Decree (No. 17 of 2020 Determining the Minimum Wage for Workers and Domestic Workers) states that your employer cannot use the new legislation as a justification to lower your salary and offer you conditions that are less favourable than the conditions in your existing contract.

What should I do if I am receiving less than the minimum wage now?

​You could raise this with your employer, and/or notify the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs. You can submit a complaint at the Labour Relations Department in person, on the hotline 16008, or by email info@adlsa.gov.qa

How does the Qatar Government ensure compliance with the minimum wage?

​The Government is enhancing the detection of violations, enacting swifter penalties and further strengthening the capacity of labour inspectors.

The legislation also established a Minimum Wage Commission that will review the impact and application of the minimum wage, and propose adjustments, in consultation with different government bodies, experts, workers and employers.

How it started?

​As part of Qatar’s efforts to protect the interests of employers and employees alike, the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs (ADLSA) has taken a major step forward in its labour reform programme last year.

The minimum wage legislation was adopted following a comprehensive analysis carried out by the Government of Qatar and the ILO, in consultation with national and international experts and workers and employers from different sectors of the economy.

Legislation adopted in August last year provided a six-month transition period for employers to prepare for the new minimum thresholds.

​Qatar has also enforced the dismantling of the kafala or sponsorship system. In particular, workers are no longer required to obtain an exit permit to leave the country, or a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to change jobs.

​To know more about the latest updates on NOC in Qatar 2021, check this article: Confused about Qatar’s New Labour Law? Read this FAQ 2021 Updates!

​These measures will likely make Qatar a more attractive destination for global talent and investment.