Qatar Sponsorship Law: New Criticism

New criticism of the Qatar sponsorship law has arisen, along with hopes that Qatar may follow Bahrain in abandoning a law which some highly placed Qataris have criticised - but which others see as essential for business.

A Controversial Law

The Qatari sponsorship law is a system where expats are sponsored by their employers, and need their sponsor's permission to leave the country, open an account, obtain an alcohol permit, change their job and numerous other activities which are counted as a basic right elsewhere. If people leave their job, they can be blocked from returning to Qatar for two years - devastating for those brought up in Qatar and who have their lives and families here.

It's an unpopular law amongst expats who feel their freedom cramped by it. And it has been criticised by America, human rights bodies and even the Qatari prime minister.

Nevertheless, Qatari business people feel that the sponsorhip law is essential in a country where the employer often has to bear the cost of bringing employees into their country.

Weakened

A series of laws have weakened the effect of the sponsorship system.

Some individuals working in the financial sector do not require sponsorship.

Many people can also now obtain multiple expert visas, meaning they do not need to obtain specific permission for each time they want to leave the country.

Laws have also been passed to prevent sponsors from retaining employees passports, and if a sponsor refuses permission to leave the country his employee can now take the issue to court.

Nevertheless, any suggestion of getting rid of the system always draws strong opposition.

New Criticism

New criticism from no less than Sheikh Hamad Bin Jaber Al Thani, secretary general of the General Secretariat for Development Planning (GSDP), now argues that the sponsorship law is holding back the development of the country.

According to the Peninsula the secretariate argued that the law was discouraging locals from learning skills and competing in the job market. The story didn't explain why.

We'd also argue that sponsorship is hampering job mobility. The current system encourages skilled people to leave the country instead of finding a job with another company. What's more, it blocks talented individuals from returning to Qatar for two years.

Hopefully, Qatar will one day follow Bahrain in getting rid of sponsorship. The country will first have to persuade local business men to overcome their fear of staff being poached. One logical step might be to insist that new companies pay back a portion of an employee's travel costs when they do take poach staff from competing companies.

Also see:

Qatar Jobs

Qatar Visas

Bahrain to Abolish Sponsorship System - Qatar Businessmen React

In what must spell hope for thousands of expatriates who feel trapped by Qatar's sponsorship system - a system which has been likened to slavery, a fact acknowledged by the Qatar prime minister - Bahrain has announced plans to scrap its sponsorship plans.

Sponsorhip in Qatar sees employees having to seek permission from employers before leaving the country, opening a bank account, getting a driving licence or changing their jobs.

While most large companies and employers do not systematically abuse the system, it does mean employees in smaller companies or working for individals and families are vulnerable. 

It also contributes to accusations that Qatar is a destination for people trafficked for the purpose of involuntary servitude. (Source: UN Refugee Agency.)

While the government of Qatar is no fan of the system, huge pressure remains from Qatar businessmen to retain sponsorship.

And in an article in the Peninsula today businessmen warned of 'doom' if the law was revoked.

In our Tips and Advice on Finding Work in Qatar we suggest that jobs seekers concentrate on finding vacancies with larger companies such as QP or Rasgas or with the government rather than with small companies. 

Also see: Qatar Labour Law

Qatar Sponsorship Law

A new sponsorship law has been announced today. Many of the features of the previous law have been retained. Hopefully, though, the law will clear up some existing confusion about the conditions. Insofar as the law has changed, it does seem to be extending and protecting the rights of both employees and women.

Below we have covered some of the main points - many of which cover frequently asked questions by our readers.

Main Points

Leaving Jobs: As before, workers leaving their jobs without an NOC will have to wait for two years. A period of five years had been under discussion, but was not excecuted. Those with an NOC (No Objection Certifcate) from their employer will be able to continue working in Qatar.

Sponsoring Families: Until now women seeking to sponsor husbands and children have often had their applications rejected. The new law states that they can sponsor both spouses and children. Qatari women can also sponsor foreign husbands and children.

Residents Permits: Those on residence permits who wish to spend more than six months out of the country can do so as long as they pay a fee first.

Children: Children may be brought into the country up until the age of two years of age without a residence permit by a parent who has a residence permit. However, the parents must apply for the child's residence permit within sixty days of child arriving in Qatar.

Exit Permits: While employers must continue to request an exit permit from their employers, those not granted an exit permit can seek a clearance certificate from court. In the event of them not having a pending court case or judgement, they will then be allowed to leave the country without an exit permit.

Travel Documents: Employers are not allowed to retain their employee's passports or travel documents.

Death: Sponsors must pay for the funeral of their employees, and for the costs of transporting the body to the home country of the deceased should the deceased's family request this.

Related articles on the website: Labour Law | Working Women in Qatar

More Information:

The Peninsula

Qatar Jobs

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