Are you facing some work-life crisis in a Qatari firm and want legal assistance to navigate those issues? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered! Navigating legal matters in Qatar is comparatively easy for labourers. Several legal entities are operating in Qatar just to resolve your disputes.
Similarly, you can approach The Minister of Administrative Development, Labour Court Qatar, and Social Affairs (MADLSA) to address your issue.
However, you may get overwhelmed by numerous ways to file a complaint. To relieve your stress, here’s an elaborate guide to Labour Court Qatar.
Qatar Labour Laws – Ministry of Labour
According to Article 2, The Minister of Administrative Development, Labour, and Social Affairs will collaborate with competent authorities to make necessary decisions to implement the attached Law. Moreover, the MADLSA ensures that existing decisions remain applicable without violating its provisions.
Overtime Calculation in Qatar
Articles 74 and 75 elaborate on the Qatar overtime calculation and the payable wages of workers in case of overtime. As per the Ministry of Labour’s laws:
- Workers can give overtime but not exceed ten hours per day unless the work is necessary to prevent a loss.
- Employers must pay workers 25% of the standard Basic Wage plus additional pay if they give overtime.
- The employer must pay workers for working between 9 PM and 3 AM the payable Basic Wage. Along with that, they must pay a minimum of 50%. This law doesn’t apply to employees working on shift schedules.
- Workers must receive a day off (rest day) on Fridays. However, employees must be compensated with another day off if work conditions require working during the rest day.
- The employees will get their payable basic wage plus an additional payment (150%) of their wage for working on off-days.
- Employing workers for more than two consecutive Fridays is prohibited except for shift schedule workers.
Adjudication on the Individual Labour Disputes
As per Article 115, in case a dispute arises between a worker and an employer regarding the application of this Law or the Employment Contract, the dispute must be presented to any of the following departments:
- Department of Labour Relations
- National Human Resources Development Department of the Ministry for amicable resolution
Collective Disputes
Article 128 states that a collective labour dispute is a disagreement between an employer and their workers. Or else, the dispute can be between a group of employers and workers.
Furthermore, conflicts can arise from a common interest in a specific establishment, profession, craft, or occupational sector.
As per Article 129, if an employer and workers have a dispute, they must resolve it independently. If there is a Joint Committee within the establishment, the dispute will be referred for resolution by the committee. In case the dispute resolution attempt fails, the following steps should be taken:
- Workers must submit written complaints or requests to the Employer and send a copy to the Department simultaneously.
- The Employer must respond to a worker’s complaint or request within a week of receiving it. Also, you must send a copy to the Department.
- If the Employer’s response does not result in a dispute settlement, the Department must initiate mediation to resolve the issue.
Filing Labour Complaints
Due to any unfortunate reasons, you feel compelled to submit a complaint against your employer. Or you want to address the violation of labour rights. In any case, you can file a labour complaint in the Qatar Labour Court using any of the following methods:
Via Mobile Service SMS
Qatar’s Ministry of Labour has launched a 24/7 hotline for workers to submit labour complaints via text message. The service allows them to select from different languages and submit their complaints.
- Open the text message (SMS) option/app on your phone.
- Type 5, then enter your Visa or ID Number.
- Send it to the Qatar Labour Court Helpline Number: 92727.
The complaint remains anonymous. Even if additional contact details are submitted via SMS, the Minister of Administrative Development, Labour Court Qatar, and Social Affairs receive the file directly.
Via Unified Platform
The Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour, and Social Affairs launched its new online platform in mid-2021. The platform enables citizens, expatriates, and establishments to file complaints against entities regulated by Qatar Labour Law or the MADLSA. To file a complaint, follow these steps:
- Go to the ADLSA Complaints and Whistleblower Portal.
- Click “Submit a Complaint (Login as Individual).”
- Log in with your Qatar ID, Visa, and Mobile Number.
- Click “Request OTP”.
- Enter OTP as notified on the phone.
- Proceed as per portal instructions.
Via Ministry of Labour Website
This service enables workers of private establishments registered on the joint committees’ platform to notify the ministry’s department of labour disputes that cannot be resolved amicably.
Furthermore, the issue can be logged within the committees, with its description and supporting documents. Then, the Ministry of Labour (MOL) is promptly notified of the dispute.
Additionally, the MOL allows them to assess its severity and mediate with all parties involved to resolve it. If the resolution fails, the matter will be transferred to MOL’s complaints platform.
To file a complaint, fulfil the requirements below;
- Active “Embedded Identity Document” (EID)
- Use a smart card to verify (via NAS) the identity of establishment personnel who are authorised to use the service.
Via Amerni Qatar App
The Qatari government has enhanced its “Amerni Qatar” application. It provides support in 33 languages and addresses complaints through various steps.
You can file a labour complaint via the Amerni Qatar App by following the steps below:
- Download app.
- Login with TAWTHEEQ credentials.
- Setup app.
- Click “submit labour court Qatar complaint.”
- Select language.
- Enter Qatar complaint count.
Via NHRC Qatar
The Qatar National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) allows labours to file a complaint if there is any violation of rights. Not to mention, there are two ways to file a labour complaint:
-
In-Person
Follow the steps below to submit a labour complaint in person:
- Print the form and fill in the complaint.
- Submit in person to NHRC.
- Provide contact information.
- Attach identification card (Qataris) and passport/visa (non-Qataris).
- Include supporting documents.
-
Online
The steps for the NHRC complaint registration process are mentioned below:
- Register on the NHRC website: https://www.nhrc-qa.org/register.
- Fill out the online complaint form with the required information.
- Attach ID card (locals) and passport/visa (for foreigners).
- Submit related documents.
Here are some other details through which you can file your complaint:
- Contact: 00974 – 44948844
- SMS Number: 119
- Email: c@nhrc.org.qa
- Fax: 009744 – 4444013
-
In Person
To file a labour complaint in person, employees can visit the Ministry of Labour Court Qatar offices at:
- Al Khor: Gents can visit from 07:30 am to 12:30 pm (Sunday to Thursday).
- Industrial Area: Gents can visit from 07:30 am to 12:30 pm (Sunday to Thursday).
- Al Huda Tower: Ladies can visit from 07:00 am to 02:00 pm (Sunday to Thursday).
Moreover, proof of infractions and maltreatment is required at the time of submitting a complaint.
Via MADLSA Contact
You can also file a labour complaint via MADLSA hotlines and emails as mentioned below:
- Hotline: 16505 – 44068979
- Email: info@mol.gov.qa
-
Via Ministry Complaint Form
You can also submit your labour complaint through the form available on MOL’s official website. Follow these steps to address an issue:
- Visit the Complaints Page.
- Select “Complaint” type.
- Enter your name, phone, and email.
- Provide complaint details along with the Qatar ID number.
- Click “Submit.”
Query for Labour Complaints
Through this service, you can inquire about labour complaints. The service requires the following:
- Establishment Registration number
- Complaint number
- Complaint Year
Follow-up of Labour Complaint Against Recruiters
The service offers information on complaints filed against recruitment offices, which can be submitted electronically. Otherwise, you can also submit your labour complaint in person at Al Huda Tower or Government Services Complex. Additionally, the service requires:
- The company’s registration number
- Complaint number
FAQs
1. How Do I Check the Status of Labour Complaints in Qatar?
To check the status of your complaint, enter the complaint number via the Department of Labour’s official website. Now, enter an OTP code you received on your mobile phone number.
2. How Do I Check Labour Contracts in Qatar?
To verify your labour contract, visit the MADLSA’s official website or their e-services portal at https://empcont.adlsa.gov.qa/.
3. What Is the New Labour Law in Qatar in 2024?
Qatar Labour Law 2024 amendments mandate health insurance for all employees. The employers are required to register with GRSIA and contribute to their social security.
Conclusion
Follow our guide for navigating legal matters in labour court Qatar. For a smooth procedure, gather all the required documents and complain via SMS/MOL/NHRC website. Moreover, stay connected to Property Finder’s Blog to get more information about living in Qatar.
