The Qatari legislator has enacted Law No. (9) of 2026 amendingcertain provisions of Labour Law No. (14) of 2004. These amendments reflect theState's continued efforts to modernise the legislative framework governing thelabour market in line with evolving economic conditions and modern workingarrangements, while maintaining an appropriate balance between the protectionof employees' rights and the interests of employers. The key amendmentsintroduced by the Law include the following:
1. Modern Forms of Work
One of the most significant amendments is the introduction of alegislative framework for regulating freelance work and part-time work throughseparate legal regimes. The legislator has empowered the Council of Ministersto issue a dedicated regulatory framework governing these forms of work or todetermine the application of all or part of the provisions of the Labour Law tothem. This amendment represents a significant legislative development,reflecting the legislator's intention to establish a more flexible legalframework that accommodates modern working arrangements while recognising theunique nature of freelance and part-time work and responding to the evolvingneeds of the labour market.
2. Non-Competition Clauses
The amendments also introduced important changes to non-competitionclauses. In particular, the maximum duration of such clauses has been extendedfrom one year to two years. In addition, a new safeguard has been introducedwhereby a non-competition clause may not be enforced without the approval ofthe competent department of the Ministry of Labour. This amendment seeks tostrike a balance between protecting the employer's legitimate businessinterests and preventing unjustified restrictions on an employee's ability towork.
3. Settlement of Labour Disputes
The legislator has strengthened the framework governing theamicable settlement of labour disputes by enhancing settlement procedures,improving dispute resolution mechanisms, and expanding the use of electronicmeans throughout the process. These amendments are intended to expedite theresolution of labour disputes and simplify the procedures required to protectthe rights of the parties.
4. Regulation of Labour Strikes
The amendments further reorganize the legal framework governingpeaceful strikes by introducing more detailed procedures and safeguards, aswell as identifying the facilities and sectors in which strikes are prohibited.These changes are intended to balance employees' right to strike with the needto ensure the uninterrupted operation of essential public facilities andservices.
5. Regulation of Certain Technical and VocationalProfessions
The Law also introduces a new regulatoryframework for certain technical and vocational professions. Individuals will nolonger be permitted to practice designated professions identified by theMinistry of Labour unless they obtain approved training certificates orsuccessfully pass accredited professional competency examinations. Thisamendment aims to enhance the competence of the workforce, ensure that suchprofessions are practiced by qualified individuals, and improve the quality ofprofessional services within the State.
6. Regulation of Overseas Recruitment Offices
The amendments establish a schedule of financial penaltiesapplicable to violations committed by overseas recruitment offices and specifythe fines corresponding to each violation. This is expected to strengthenregulatory oversight of the recruitment sector while enhancing protection forboth employers and employees.
7. Expanded Powers of the Ministry of Labour
The Law expands the powers of the Ministry of Labour in relation tonon-compliant establishments by authorising the Minister of Labour to take anumber of enforcement measures against offending establishments, including thesuspension of certain administrative services and transactions relating to theestablishment, as well as the publication of the names of establishments thatrepeatedly commit certain violations. These measures are intended to enhancecompliance with the provisions of the Labour Law.
These amendments demonstrate the Qatari legislator's continuedcommitment to developing the labour market framework in line with economicdevelopments and modern working arrangements. Collectively, they seek toenhance labour market flexibility, strengthen regulatory compliance, maintain afair balance between the interests of employers and employees, and furthersupport the competitiveness and long-term sustainability of Qatar's labourmarket.