On 20 March 2021, Qatar’s non-discriminatory minimum wage comes into force, applying to all workers, of all nationalities, in all sectors, including domestic workers.

Legislation adopted last year provided a six-month transition period for employers to prepare for the new minimum thresholds. Qatar is the first country in the region to introduce a non-discriminatory minimum wage, which is part of a series of historical reforms of the country’s labour laws...

More than 400,000 workers or 20 per cent of the private sector will benefit directly from the new law. “This wage increase will also improve the lives of a large number of family members in the workers’ countries of origin who rely on the remittances sent every month,” said Max Tuñón from the ILO Project Office in Qatar.

To ensure compliance with the minimum wage, the Government is enhancing the detection of violations, enacting swifter penalties and further strengthening the capacity of labour inspectors.