Qatar’s Labour Reforms: Progress or Missed Promises for Migrant Workers?

Since abolishing the Kafala system in August 2020, Qatar has implemented sweeping labour reforms aimed at improving the lives of its migrant workforce. These reforms have led to significant changes, including allowing nearly 350,000 workers to switch jobs without the prior necessity of a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) and the introduction of a non-discriminatory minimum wage. However, while there has been notable progress, serious concerns about enforcement and worker protections remain as the reforms evolve into 2025.

Historic Labour Reform Milestones

The ambitious labour reforms initiated in Qatar were propelled by intense international scrutiny, particularly in the lead-up to the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The rescindment of the NOC requirement was a landmark change, allowing migrant workers to change jobs and leave the country without needing their employer’s permission. This pivot represented a crucial disruption of the Kafala system—a sponsorship arrangement that severely restricted the rights of foreign workers.

Following significant international criticism and consultations with the International Labour Organization (ILO), Qatar became the first nation in the Gulf to eliminate significant parts of this system. The introduction of a universal minimum wage in March 2021 further underscored this reform. The rate was set at QAR 1,000 (approximately $275) with additional allowances for food and housing, marking a substantial improvement in the economic conditions for many workers.

MaaSaken: Online Dispute Resolution & Whistleblower Access

In a bid to modernize the labour dispute resolution process, Qatar’s Ministry of Labour launched a digital complaints platform, MaaSaken, in 2021. This platform, equipped with an anonymous whistleblower feature, significantly increased the number of cases lodged by workers—more than doubling since its inception. Between October 2021 and October 2022, 67% of complaints were resolved through conciliation, an encouraging trend compared to earlier methods that often left workers vulnerable and without recourse.

The expansion of Labour Dispute Committees from three to five locations also facilitated quicker access to justice. During this period, the committees addressed over 24,600 cases, reflecting both a proactive stance on resolving disputes and a commitment to improving the overall working conditions in the country.

Mobility Surge: 350,000 Workers Took New Jobs

One of the most notable outcomes of the reforms is the increased mobility among workers. Data from the ILO reported that nearly 350,000 migrant workers exercised their rights to change employment between November 2020 and August 2022—a significant rise from just 18,000 in 2019 before the reforms. This surge not only indicates a shift towards greater worker autonomy but also suggests that the reforms have fostered an environment where workers feel more empowered to pursue better opportunities.

Accompanying these changes is Qatar’s Wage Protection System (WPS), which mandates digital payment of salaries, further reducing the risk of wage exploitation. As of 2021-22, 84% of disputes related to wage issues under the WPS were resolved in the workers’ favor, illustrating the effectiveness of this safeguard.

Heat Stress & Health Safeguards

The introduction of heat stress protections is another key reform that aims to safeguard worker health. In June 2021, the government banned outdoor work during peak heat hours from June to September, a measure that underscores an acknowledgment of the harsh working conditions many laborers face. This is a significant step toward establishing a healthier work environment, although continuous monitoring and enforcement are essential to ensure compliance.

What Still Needs Improvement

Despite the progress made, enforcement gaps remain a significant concern. The ILO has indicated that while the legal framework is in place, ongoing power imbalances and employer retaliation often undermine these reforms. Reports indicate that workers still face threats like false absconding claims and deportation, which create anxiety and hinder their ability to assert their rights.

Moreover, there are alarming reports of wage theft, substandard living conditions in dormitories, and unresolved end-of-service benefits. Human rights organizations warn that essential freedoms, including the right to associate freely, remain unrealized, particularly for vulnerable groups such as undocumented or domestic workers.

A Global Precedent Under Construction

Qatar’s labour reforms represent a significant shift in policy influenced by international cooperation, particularly with the ILO since 2018. While Qatar has received commendations from the UN’s Human Rights Council and the ILO, they emphasize the need for full enforcement of these reforms and the complete abolition of any remaining elements of the Kafala system.

As other Gulf nations prepare for major events, like the anticipated 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia, Qatar’s labour policies may set a precedent for regional reforms. The impressive strides made—freedom to change jobs, minimum wage guarantees, digital payment systems, and health protections—provide a foundation for potential improvements across the GCC.

While Qatar’s labour reforms have made tangible differences, especially in terms of rights and economic conditions for workers, the continued existence of enforcement gaps and systemic issues indicates that the journey to comprehensive reform is far from finished. The current developments serve not only as incremental steps in policy change but also as a reflection of the ongoing need for vigilance, advocacy, and commitment to ensuring that these reforms translate into improved daily realities for all workers.