Qatar brings in reforms in labour laws

Qatar brings in reforms in labour laws

Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II- International relations

In news

• Recently, Qatar has brought about a change in its labour laws.

Key takeaways

• First reform: It has abolished the unjustified ‘kafala system’ (requirement for a “no objection certificate). Under this system, migrant workers needed to get NOC from their employers before changing jobs.
• Now, workers will have to serve a one-month notice period if they have worked for less than two years and notice period of two months if they have worked longer
• Second reform: It involves increasing the minimum wage by 25 per cent to $274 or 1000 Qatari riyals and an additional 300 QAR for food and 500 QAR for accommodation in case not provided by the company.
• These reforms are now applicable to workers of all nationalities and in all sectors, including domestic workers.

Do you know?

• The International Labour Organisation (ILO) notes that Qatar is the first country in the region to dismantle the “kafala” sponsorship system that is common in the Gulf region.