Qatar’s new minimum wage law has come into force for supporting all workers, of all nationalities, in all sectors, including domestic workers.
As per the reports, the State of Qatar is the first country in the region to implement a non-discriminatory minimum wage, which has become a key component of Qatar’s reform and transition plan to a knowledge-based economy, as outlined in Qatar National Vision 2030.
According to Law No. 17 of 2020 on setting the minimum wage for employees and domestic workers, the minimum wage for all private-sector workers, including domestic workers, is set at $275 (1,000 Qatari riyals) per month as a basic wage, as well as $137 (QR500) per month allocated by the employer for accommodation expenses and $82 (QR300) per month for food, unless the employer already provides adequate food or accommodation for the employee or domestic worker.
The new law would directly benefit over 400,000 employees or 20 percent of the private sector, as per the International Labour Organization (ILO).
Last September, the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs (MADLSA) has announced a six-month transition period to amend contract termination, as it will help the employers to prepare for the transition.
Further, the ministry has stressed the importance of establishing a minimum basic wage, housing, and food in order to improve employer-employee relations.
Since the law’s adoption, the Ministry has held worker awareness campaigns in a variety of languages. This step is being taken in collaboration with the International Labour Organization, as well as national and international experts and a diverse group of workers and employers from various industries.
