Qatar's Social Insurance Law: recent decisions and its impact

In recent months, Qatar has implemented significant legislative decisions aimed at enhancing the social insurance landscape, ensuring fair treatment for individuals, and promoting active participation in societal and economic activities.

These decisions, issued by the Council of Ministers and aligned with Qatar Law No. 1/2022, introduce pivotal changes in early retirement eligibility, and dispute resolution mechanisms. In this article, we summarise the changes brought about by the new Cabinet Decision No. 10/2024 and No. 11/2024.

Cabinet Decision No. 11/2024: Early Pension Eligibility Criteria

Cabinet Decision No. 11/2024, issued on 5 June 2024, delineates the criteria for early pension eligibility under Qatar's revamped Social Insurance Law. This decision expands upon the foundational principles outlined in Article 24 of Law No. 1/2022, which specifies conditions under which an insured person becomes eligible for pension benefits upon termination of service, including death, disability, reaching retirement age (at least 60 years), resignation, dismissal for misconduct, or other specified reasons.

Early Retirement Eligibility Criteria

Decision No. 11/2024 introduces nuanced provisions tailored to different scenarios of service termination.

1. General Eligibility Conditions:

For reasons other than death and disability the following conditions must be met:

• Minimum contribution period: 25 years.
• Actual service period: At least 20 years.
• Minimum Age: 50 years (pension delayed until this age if resignation occurs before 50).
• Continuity of Service: Service deemed continuous if an individual rejoins an employer under the Social Insurance Law within a specified period, provided a non-disbursement application is submitted within 30 days of termination.

2. Specific Eligibility Criteria by Birth Year:

• Individuals born in 1983 or earlier can benefit if they resign without pension entitlement, provided they meet specific subscription contribution and service years.
• For subsequent birth years (1984 onwards), eligibility ages and contribution periods incrementally adjust to maintain equitable retirement opportunities.

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