5 September 2024 - The Ministry of Labour (MoL) in Qatar has unveiled plans to nationalize job roles, offering incentives to both citizens and employers to foster private sector participation. The MoL will facilitate training and funding for citizens to secure high-skilled jobs in the private sector, aligning with the country's vision to bolster the economy and improve outcomes for its people. 

Law No. (12) of 2024, recently enacted by His Highness, Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, has been highlighted by the MoL, which focuses on job nationalization in the private sector.

This legislation aligns with the Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third National Development Strategy, aiming to transform the labour market towards higher-skilled jobs and enhance national workforce participation in the private sector. This will create new opportunities for Qataris and children of Qatari women, maximizing the use of qualified national competencies.

The law's primary objectives include:

• Making the labour market more appealing to the national workforce.
• Enhancing companies' ability to attract and integrate citizens.
• Promoting Qatari participation in the private sector.
• Ensuring job stability for national cadres.
• Developing the professional skills of the national workforce.
• Meeting the labour market's demand for qualified personnel.
• Encouraging private sector companies to increase national workforce participation.

Entities subject to nationalization include private establishments, commercial companies, non-profit institutions, sports institutions, associations, and similar entities.

This initiative will involve classifying entities based on size, workforce, and job types, and will encompass policies for training, employment, qualification, and university scholarship programs. Key provisions of the law include financial incentives for beneficiaries, benefits for entities under the nationalization scheme, and employment, training, and qualification opportunities for Qataris and children of Qatari women.

The law empowers the MoL to provide incentives and sponsor citizens for university studies, preparing them for private sector roles. It mandates the use of standard employment contract templates for job nationalization, ensuring job security and a stable work environment.

The MoL will monitor companies' compliance with nationalization policies, playing a crucial role in qualifying citizens through training and development programs in partnership with the private sector.

Deloitte’s view

We expect further details will be announced in due course in relation to the specific nationalization requirements. The aim of this legislation represents a significant shift in Qatar's labour market, with potential impacts on both local and foreign businesses operating in the country. It is crucial for our clients to understand the implications of this law and take necessary actions to ensure compliance.

Once the exact requirements of the legislation are announced, we can support our clients with:

• Adjusting their hiring and training strategies, considering training programs for Qatari citizens and children of Qatari women, and developing strategies to attract and integrate these individuals into their workforce.
• Reviewing the financial incentives and benefits provided by the law and consider how they can support their operations and workforce development. 
• Reviewing their existing employment contracts and ensure they align with the new standard employment contract templates once released.
• Staying informed about the MoL's job nationalization plan and be prepared to align their policies and programs with the national plan.

Deloitte is committed to supporting our clients through this transition. We are available to provide guidance on understanding the new law and will also keep our clients updated on any further developments related to this law.

Contacts

Our immigration experts listed below would be happy to discuss the above matters in more detail or support you through a further discussion on your immigration requirements.

Hadi Allawi
hallawi@deloitte.com

Mohammed Haque
mhaque@deloitte.com

Syed Mansoor
mansyed@deloitte.com