São Paulo – The government of Qatar, the Arab country in the Gulf, announced a modernization of labor law as part of reforms in the lead-up to the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which it will host. New laws have been enacted to create a minimum wage and to put in place laxer rules for workers regarding contract termination, the Embassy of Qatar in Brasília said.
The minimum wage is QAR 1,000, the rough equivalent of USD 270. Employers failing to provide housing or food to workers or domestic workers will be required to supply a minimum subsidy of QAR 500 (USD 135) plus QAR 300 (USD 80) towards meals.
Changes in labor law include the end of the need for authorization to quit. The new law will become effective six months after its publication in the Official Gazette, which took place on August 30. Until then, the government will keep working with businesses to adapt and update payroll systems and labor contracts.
According to a press release, the changes are intended to create a positive legacy that can transform the economy and provide inspiration for millions of people in the Arab countries across the Gulf.
As per the press release, Qatar’s government had pledged to modernize labor law. The administration will keep working with international partners, such as the International Labour Organization (ILO), to bring about further improvements and to ensure workers’ rights, in line with the economic objectives of Qatar’s National Vision 2030.
Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
