Job nationalisation in the private sector

At a glance

• A new law mandates private entities to hire, train, and qualify Qatari citizens, with priority given to children of Qatari women if no Qatari candidates are available.
• The law applies to various entities, including private establishments, commercial companies, and private institutions of public benefit.
• The Ministry of Labour (Ministry) will develop a Qatarisation plan, including policies for training, employment, qualification, and scholarships, and will submit an annual report to the Council of Ministers.

Qatar has enacted a new law regarding the Qatarisation of jobs in the private sector. This law aims to oblige private entities to employ, train, and qualify Qatari citizens seeking employment. If no Qatari candidates are available, priority must be given to the children of Qatari women, in line with the Ministry's policies, plans, and programs (which are yet to be set) by the Ministry. The law also outlines provisions for financial incentives, allocation of resources, and the administration's role in implementing the Qatarisation plan.

The law applies to various entities, including private establishments registered in the commercial register, commercial companies operating in the State (whether owned by the State, participated in by the State, or owned by private sector persons), private institutions of public benefit, sports institutions and associations. The Ministry will develop a plan for the Qatarisation of jobs in the private sector, classifying entities based on workforce size, job types, and required teams. The plan will include policies for training, employment, qualification, and scholarships for university studies for students and job seekers.