New Employment Contract Template for Qatar

A New Employment Contract is a legally binding agreement that establishes the terms and conditions of employment between an employer and employee in Qatar. This document must comply with Qatar Labor Law No. 14 of 2004 and the significant 2020 amendments under Law No. 17 of 2020, which introduced major reforms including the removal of No Objection Certificate requirements and establishment of minimum wage standards.

When do you need this document?

You need a New Employment Contract whenever hiring any employee in Qatar, whether they are Qatari nationals or expatriate workers. This includes permanent staff, fixed-term employees, and temporary workers across all sectors including construction, hospitality, healthcare, and professional services. The contract is mandatory before an employee can begin work and must be completed prior to applying for work permits or residence visas for foreign nationals. You also need this document when converting existing employment arrangements to comply with the 2020 labor law reforms, particularly if your current contracts lack the newly required provisions for worker mobility and minimum wage compliance.

Key legal considerations

Your employment contract must include several mandatory provisions under Qatar law. The probationary period cannot exceed six months for most positions, and you must specify the exact duration and conditions for successful completion. Working hours are strictly regulated, with a maximum of 48 hours per week and 8 hours per day, reduced to 6 hours during Ramadan. The contract must clearly state the minimum wage requirements established by Ministerial Decision No. 17 of 2021, which sets QAR 1,000 as the basic monthly salary plus additional allowances. You must include comprehensive leave entitlements covering annual leave, sick leave, maternity leave, and public holidays as specified in Qatar Labor Law. Notice periods for termination vary based on employment duration and must be clearly defined, along with end-of-service benefits calculations and procedures for dispute resolution through Qatar's labor courts.

Legal requirements in Qatar

Under Qatar law, your employment contract must be registered with the Ministry of Labor within 60 days of the employee's start date. For expatriate workers, the contract forms part of the work permit application process and must be attested by the Qatar Chamber of Commerce. The agreement must be written in Arabic, though a bilingual version is acceptable provided the Arabic text takes precedence in case of disputes. You must ensure compliance with Law No. 7 of 2013 on Social Insurance for Qatari employees, including pension contributions and social security obligations. Foreign employees are subject to Law No. 21 of 2015 regarding entry, exit, and residence requirements, and your contract must align with visa sponsorship obligations. The 2020 reforms require that you cannot prevent employees from changing jobs or traveling abroad without employer consent, and these freedoms must be reflected in your contract terms. Additionally, you must provide accommodation and transportation allowances that meet minimum standards set by government regulations.