What are the new changes introduced by Qatar in its labour law?

Qatar has introduced major changes to its labour market, ending the requirement for migrant workers to obtain their employer’s permission to change jobs,  thus becoming the first country in the region to adopt a non-discriminatory minimum wage.

The highly criticised ‘Kafala’ system, which required workers to take the consent of their employers before switching jobs has been dismantled.

According to Al Jazeera, Qatar’s Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs (MADLSA), in a statement, said “Either party must provide one month written notice in the first two years of the contract or two months’ notice beyond the second year of the contract”

“Ministry will be working with employers to update all employment contracts where workers earn less than the amount established by the new law [minimum wage], which will come into force after 6 months of its publication in the official gazette” it added

In addition to the minimum wage, the ministry has also announced the provision of 500 riyals ($137) for accommodation and 300 riyals ($82.2) for food if those expenses are not provided as part of the contract.

The amendments come as the country face heavy criticism from across the world for exploiting its labour force.