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of 2004 set a maximum prison term of six months and a maximum fine of 3000 riyals
(US$824) for offenders. 44 These penalties failed to adequately reflect the seriousness of
the offense; the Penal Code sets the same penalty for public drinking and for “say[ing] …
Immoral things … in a public place.” 45 Thus, the new anti-trafficking law could mean
substantial progress for workers’ legal rights, but only if the government vigorously
implements and enforces its provisions. If poorly enforced, as Human Rights Watch found
to be the case with current labor and Sponsorship Law protections, the law will do little to
improve their situation.
Labor Law
Law No. 14 of 2004, the Labor Law of Qatar, sets forth minimum entitlements for
employees working in the private sector, though it excludes domestic workers. 46 The law
sets maximum work hours at 48 hours per week (after which workers should receive
overtime pay), requires one month of annual paid leave, and sets end-of-service
payments. 47 It provided the first major overhaul of labor regulation since 1962. 48
The Labor Law sets forth conditions workers and employers must meet in order to obtain
valid work permits. According to the law, non-Qatari workers must hold work permits
issued by the Department of Labor, valid for a maximum of five years. 49 Workers must pass
a government-administered medical exam and receive security clearance from the Ministry
of Interior before they receive work permits. 50 The Ministry of Labor cancels work permits in
cases where workers take jobs with employers other than their sponsoring employer, or if
they quit their jobs for a reason other than those approved under the law. 51 Section VII of
this report describes the effects of these regulations on workers’ freedom of movement
and ability to seek redress.
44 Article 322 of Law No. 11 of 2004 (Penal Code) states that "One is convicted to no more than six months in prison and to a
fine of no more than three thousand riyals, or to one of these two penalties, in case of forcing a person to work with or
without a salary." Law No. 11 of 2004, art.322.
45 Ibid., art. 290.
46 Law No. 14 of the year 2004 promulgating the Labor Law. Article 3 states that “the provisions of this law shall not apply to
the following categories….4) the persons employed in domestic employment such as nurses, cooks, nannies, gardeners, and
similar workers.”
47 Ibid., art.23.
48 Ibid., preamble.
49 Ibid., art. 23.
50 Ibid.
51 Law No.14 of 2004, art.25.
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