Qatar Law No. 12/2024: Qatarisation of jobs in the private sector

The new Qatarisation law (Qatar Law No. 12/2024) introduces a comprehensive framework aimed at boosting the employment of Qatari nationals within the private sector. The law reflects Qatar’s ongoing commitment to nationalisation efforts by ensuring that Qatari nationals are given priority for job opportunities, and it imposes specific requirements on private-sector employers.

Key highlights of Qatarisation Law No. 12/2024

Qatarisation priority

Employers in the private sector must prioritise hiring Qatari nationals and the children of Qatari women. Only if there are no suitable “Qatari” candidates available can expatriates be recruited.

Scope of application

The law applies to private establishments, commercial companies, and private institutions. However, companies associated with Qatar Energy or engaged in petroleum operations are exempt from this law.

Qatarisation plan development

The Ministry of Labour (MOL) will establish a detailed Qatarisation plan for private-sector jobs. This plan will classify employers, determine required positions, and set training and onboarding policies for Qatari job seekers. The MOL can determine the percentage of Qatari employees within any sector and will have the authority in order to enforce the Qatarisation plan to restrict expatriate employment where necessary.  The plan requires Cabinet approval before implementation.

Job seekers registration

Job seekers from the priority group (Qatari nationals and the children of Qatari women) must register with the MOL to be considered for employment. In certain cases however, employment of unregistered candidates is permitted for key positions or occasional work. Registration can be cancelled by the MOL for non-serious applicants or those providing false information, with an option for the applicants to appeal such decisions.

Incentives and notifications for employers

The law outlines incentives for companies complying with Qatarisation policies. Employers must notify the Ministry of job vacancies and report new employee data biannually. Financial incentives may be awarded to job seekers who secure employment through the Qatarisation plan.

Penalties

Non-compliance with the Qatarisation obligations set out in the law by both employers and employees may result in the MOL imposing penalties, ranging from warnings and financial penalties to the suspension of immigration related transactions as appropriate. Companies failing to comply may also face public disclosure of their non-compliance status on the Ministry’s website, and repeated violations can lead to imprisonment for individuals or substantial fines of up to one million Riyals.

Training and development requirements

Employers are obliged to train Qatari nationals in order to equip them with the necessary skills for their roles. 

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