Doha Guides Team regularly reviews this article to ensure the content is up-to-date and accurate. The last editorial review and update were on 03 June 2024.
Stuck in a job that isn’t you? Ready for a career change but have no idea what else you could do – or where to start? Here is some good news for you.
According to the updated labour law announced in 2020, all workers in the State of Qatar, whether on fixed-term contracts or open-ended contracts, can change jobs without having to obtain NOC anytime during their contract period.
This article explains the procedure by which expatriate workers can change jobs in Qatar without the need for NOC from their current employer.
- New Updates to Change Sponsor in Qatar
- Procedure to Change Job in Qatar
- Steps For Terminating Employment and Leaving Qatar
- Notice Period
- Termination During Sponsorship Change
- Probation Period
- End of Service Benefits
- Non-Compete Clause in Labour Contract
- Cost of Return Flight Ticket
- Other Conditions for Changing Job
- Time Period for Change of Job
- Fees for Employer Change
- Important Points to Note
- History of Qatar's Labour Reforms
- FAQ on Changing Jobs in Qatar
New Updates to Change Sponsor in Qatar
As of 2024, there seems to be some changes to the online portal. Nowadays the current sponsor is being asked to approve the sponsor change request online. However the MOL website doesn’t mention about such a change. If you are not sure, please seek the assistance of a PRO or typing center.
Procedure to Change Job in Qatar
The steps to change jobs in Qatar, as explained by the Ministry of Labour (since July 2022), are as follows:
Step 1: The worker applies through the Ministry of Labour e-system
a) The worker wishing for a transfer of sponsorship must download and print the Change Employer Form from the Ministry of Labour (MoL) website.
b) After printing, fill in the “Change of Employer” form with all requested information, and sign the form. The form must also be signed and stamped by the new employer. The new employer’s signature is enough if the worker is changing jobs to work in a private household. Take a picture or scan the filled form.
c) Log in to the Ministry’s electronic portal using the worker’s Qatar ID (QID) number and mobile number, and upload a copy of the signed form. The mobile phone number you use to log in must be linked to your QID. Once you have entered the system, upload the completed and signed form.
NOTE: The date on which you submit the “Change of Employer” form will be the start date of your notice period with your current employer.
- For specialized professions, you should attach a certified copy of the educational qualification and a license of practice from the concerned authorities in the country.
- A health insurance certificate is required if the worker is over 60 years old.
Step 2: Employer Change (EC) number is generated
After submitting the application, an Employer Change (EC) number will appear on the screen. This number confirms that the application has been successfully submitted.
Make a note of the EC number (write it down, take a screenshot, or take a photo). You can use this number in the future to check the status of the application.
Step 3: The Ministry will process the application
The competent department at the Ministry of Labour will process the application. The Ministry may reject an application if the form is not completed correctly or if the new employer does not meet the eligibility to hire new workers. In case the application is incomplete, further information will be requested.
The worker can check the status of his application on the MoL website using his QID and EC number.
Step 4: The worker and employers receive an SMS from the Ministry
After processing the application, text messages (SMS) will be sent from the Ministry to the worker, the old employer and the new employer.
The SMS will also include the notice period to be completed.
- If the worker has worked with the employer for two years or less, the notice period is one month.
- The notice period is two months if the worker has worked with the employer for more than two years.
During the notice period, the worker must continue working with his current employer unless he and his employer have mutually agreed to shorten it.
Step 5: New employer initiates electronic contract
Upon completion of the notice period, the new employer will prepare the multilingual employment contract using MoL’s Digital Authentication System.
This process must be completed within three months from the end of the worker’s notice period. Once all the information is filled out, the new employer will print the employment contract for the worker and the employer to sign. The worker can sign the contract if he/she agrees to its provisions.
- Upon signing the contract, the new employer will upload it to the Ministry’s website for authentication.
- After the employment contract is finalized, the new employer must provide a copy to the employee.
Step 6: Request for new QID
When the contract is authenticated, the new employer should submit a request for a new QID to the Ministry of Interior through Metrash2 or the Ministry of Interior website.
Step 7: Worker starts his/her new job
Once the worker receives a new QID, he/she can start the new job.
NOTE: Both workers and employers can download a copy of the employment contract at any time through the MoL portal.
The steps above apply to private-sector workers covered by Labour Law No. 14 of 2004, agricultural and grazing workers, domestic workers and fishermen.
Steps For Terminating Employment and Leaving Qatar
- Download, the Leave Country Form from the Ministry of Labour website.
- Fill it up and sign
The application will be processed by the competent department at the Ministry of Labour, and a confirmation will be sent by text message within a week of the date of the submission of the application, confirming the required notice period.
Notice Period
If the worker has worked with the employer for two years or less, the notice period is one month. The notice period is two months if the worker has worked with the employer for more than two years.
Employee’s Service Period | Required Notice Period |
---|---|
Two years or less | One month |
More than two years | Two months |
The employer should continue to pay the wage and other benefits to the worker during the notice period, per the employment contract. The employer must also continue to provide food and accommodation (or the relevant allowances) until the termination date.
What happens if a worker does not honour the notice period?
If a worker terminates his/her contract without observing the notice period, he/she must pay the employer compensation equivalent to his/her basic wage for the notice period or the remaining part of the notice period (if partially completed). This is calculated as an amount equivalent to the basic wage for the remaining part of the notice period.
For example: If the worker’s basic wage is QAR 2,000 per month and the worker stops working two weeks before the end of a one-month notice period, he/she will have to pay his/her employer QAR 1,000 to terminate the contract legally.
NOTE: If the worker leaves Qatar without giving a notification or completing the notice period during the probation period, the worker will not be able to return to work in Qatar for one year.
Can I agree with my current employer not to fulfil my notice period?
You and your current employer can agree not to fulfil the notice period. If this is the case, you can attach a letter signed by you and your current employer.
Signed letters should explicitly state that you and your current employer have agreed not to observe the notice period stipulated by law. When determining the notice period, MoL will consider the mutual agreement.
Termination During Sponsorship Change
Can my current employer cancel my QID after I submit my application to change jobs?
The current employer cannot cancel your QID or file a false absconding case against you once you have submitted your electronic notification through MoL’s electronic notification system.
What can I do if my employer cancels my QID before I submit my application?
If your current employer cancels your QID before submitting your application, you must first submit a complaint through the MoL’s Unified Platform for Complaints and Whistleblowers or by visiting its office.
- Following the Ministry’s review of your complaint, you will need to submit a signed letter in Arabic to the Head of the Labour Relations Department requesting the reactivation of your QID.
- You should include a brief explanation in your letter as to why you requested your QID’s reactivation. Be sure to include your QID and mobile phone number in the letter.
- You should also submit a copy of your QID, the SMS notifying you of the cancellation of your QID, and a copy of the new job offer along with the signed letter.
- Keep a copy of these documents for your records.
- To reactivate your QID, MoL will coordinate with the Ministry of Interior. Your QID status can be checked through Metrash.
- You can apply to change jobs using MoL’s electronic notification system once your QID has been reactivated.
Can I cancel my application to change jobs?
You can cancel your job change application if it is still under review through MoL’s electronic notification system. You can access MoL’s electronic notification system by entering your QID and mobile numbers.
If you wish to cancel your application to change jobs after receiving approval from the Ministry but before your new employment contract has been authenticated, you must submit a written request to MoL.
To cancel your application, you must submit a signed letter in Arabic addressed to the Head of the Labour Relations Department. You should include a brief explanation of why you are cancelling your application, your EC number, a copy of your QID, and your mobile number in the letter.
Probation Period
The employment contract may contain a clause that the worker shall be subject to a probation period agreed upon by both parties. The probation period should not exceed six months from the date of joining, and the worker should not be subject to more than one probationary period with the same employer.
Employer Change During Probation
A worker may terminate the employment contract within the probation period, provided the worker complies with the following:
- The worker must notify the current employer at least one month before leaving the job through MoL’s electronic system.
- The worker’s new employer must compensate the current employer a portion of the recruitment fees and a one-way air ticket at the level agreed to by the current and new employers (not exceeding two months of the current basic wage). The compensation amount should be discussed between the new and old employer.
Termination During Probation
An employer may terminate a worker’s employment contract during the probation period if the employer finds out that the worker is unfit to carry out his/her duties. The employer must notify the worker at least one month before the termination through MoL’s electronic system.
Upon termination of the employment contract, if the worker returns to his/her country, the employer must cover the expenses of the return plane ticket.
End of Service Benefits
If the worker completed at least one year of employment and the contract was not terminated for committing any of the violations described in Article 61 of the Labour Law, the employer must still pay the worker his/her end-of-service benefits, accrued annual leave not taken and any other benefits stipulated by Labour Law No. 14 of 2004 and the signed employment contract.
End of Service Gratuity Calculator in English
If the employer terminates the contract without observing the notice period, he/she must pay the worker compensation equivalent to the worker’s basic wage for the notice period or the remaining duration of the notice period.
Non-Compete Clause in Labour Contract
Employers can only include a non-compete clause in the employment contract if the nature of the employee’s work puts him/her in a position to know the employer’s clients or the business’s secrets.
This means that after the contract termination, the employee cannot compete with the employer or participate in any competing business in the same economic sector. The duration of the non-compete clause cannot exceed one year from the date of leaving employment.
MoL has assured to issue a regulation to clarify further the provisions related to the non-compete clauses.
Cost of Return Flight Ticket
The employer must complete the worker’s repatriation procedures, including bearing the cost of a return air ticket to his/her country of residence within a maximum of two weeks from contract expiration. If the worker joins another employer before leaving the country, the repatriation obligation shall be incumbent upon the new employer.
In cases where the worker terminates the employment contract before its end and plans to leave Qatar while respecting the notice period (outside of the scope of amended Article 51 of the Labour Law), the employer shall cover part of the cost of the return air ticket proportional to the actual employment duration the worker completed out of the entire term of the employment contract.
The employer has the right to claim any charges and costs related to training the workers and obtaining a driving license from the new employer as per the law, which safeguards the rights of the employer and employee.
If I have not been paid my wages, do I still have to give notice before changing jobs?
Suppose the current employer has not fulfilled his/her legal obligations (including payment of wages). In that case, the worker can change jobs without giving any notice per amended Article (51) of the Labour Law. The worker should submit a complaint to the Ministry of Labour.
Other Conditions for Changing Job
- The new employer should have the approval of the same nationality, gender and profession. For example, an “Indian male accountant” who wants to leave his current employer and join another firm can be hired only by a company that has the approval to employ an “Indian male accountant”.
- There should be no restrictions against the new employer to stop the change.
Time Period for Change of Job
If the expatriate has completed the required contract period and has a new job contract and visa, he can immediately come back (even on the next day).
- If there is no job contract, the expatriate has to leave Qatar within a week of cancelling the residence permit.
- In special cases like termination by the employer, MoL may allow expatriates up to three months to find a new job.
When the expatriate has found a new job, he will be required to return to the Ministry and present the new employment contract. Expatriates who do not find work within this period must leave Qatar.
Fees for Employer Change
The employer change service is free of charge for workers and employers.
Important Points to Note
- The new law does not require existing employees to sign new contracts.
- Under the new law, service periods are calculated from the day employees start working for their employer.
- This includes all days of employment accumulated before the implementation of Law No 21 of 2015.
- All prospective expatriate workers can see a copy of their job contract before leaving their country of origin, as obtaining a work visa will now require a job contract approved by MoL.
- Expatriates who leave Qatar and have had their employment and Residency Permit terminated will be able to return to Qatar to take up new employment immediately after being granted a new visa.
- However, this will not be the case for workers who have been found guilty of misconduct whilst working for their previous employer in Qatar. Such workers will face four years ban.
- Employers who have confiscated passports can be fined up to QR 25,000 per worker. When enacted, this will be the toughest financial penalty against passport confiscation within the region.
PLEASE NOTE: The job change process and filling up these forms can confuse some workers. If you are unsure how to proceed, please get this done through a reputed typing centre or PRO. They would be able to guide you on the exact process.
Due to the high volume of applications nowadays, this process reportedly takes several weeks. So please be patient if you do not get a response soon.
History of Qatar’s Labour Reforms
Law No 21 of 2015, which deals with expatriates’ entry, exit, and residency, abolished Qatar’s existing Kafala (sponsorship) system, replacing it with a modernised, contract-based system. After Qatar’s new sponsorship law came into force in December 2016, the automatic two-year ban was removed.
In September 2020 Qatar Government announced that an NOC would not be required for employer change, subject to certain conditions. The new law has been published in the official Gazette.
In recent years Qatar’s Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs (ADLSA) launched a series of laws and policies aimed at workers’ well-being, improved conditions, and greater labour mobility. Qatar’s Ministry of Labour (MoL) is now carrying forward the reforms initiated by MADLSA.
For more information, you can contact the Ministry of Labour on the Hotline Number 16008 or send an email to [email protected].
READ NEXT: How To Calculate End of Service Gratuity in Qatar
FAQ on Changing Jobs in Qatar
Can I change my job in Qatar without NOC?
Yes, as per the new law, all employees can change jobs without having to obtain NOC anytime during their contract period.
How long is the notice period before changing employers?
If the worker has worked with the employer for two years or less, the notice period is one month. The notice period is two months if the worker has worked with the employer for more than two years.
Can I just leave Qatar and come back again to start a new job?
No, If you leave Qatar without giving a notification or completing your notice period, you will not be able to return to work in Qatar for one year.
Can my employer terminate me without a notice period?
If the employer terminates the contract without observing the notice period, he/she must pay the worker compensation equivalent to the worker’s basic wage for the notice period or the remaining duration of the notice period.
Can my employer keep my passport without my consent?
No, employers who have confiscated passports can be fined up to QR 25,000 per worker.
Related Articles:
- 11 Easy Ways To File A Labour Complaint in Qatar
- 3 Ways To Easily Check Travel Ban in Qatar
- Qatar Labour Law on Annual Leave and Holidays
- Qatar Labour Law on Working Hours and Overtime
- Wage Protection System WPS Qatar: Complete Guide
- Minimum Wage Law in Qatar: Everything You Need To Know
- Qatar Freelance Visa: Things You Should Know
- How To Find A Job In Qatar: Your Essential Guide
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Hi Doha Guide,
This is to inform that i have got an offer from new company who has requested employers change to my current company and request me to discuss your current employer for approval in online.
But my current employer nothing is doing on that, is it possible shall i get approval from MOL after 30 days. i have completed 8 months in this company with NOC of other of my 1st employer. please advise
Hi ! Hope some one can help me . I have an sponsor that holding two companies one of the company i worked for 5 years but after that got close and i dont know that he transfer my id to his another company tru ADSLA and im working now in this company for 6months . Now i found a company that good salary .Can i transfer in another company even its still new transfer to his other company ?
Hi, I almost finished my 2yrs on April 2025, can I resigned and find new job?? But I still have pending case from my previous employer still in the supreme courts the case. I wonder if I changed again this time it will affect? Thank you
hi,
I am trying to change my sponser but when I m applying through online pop up massage ”
The labor residency purpose is not ☑ for work please use Join of labor Market service”
and I have NOC as well .
I visited MOL BUT as per them all credentials are ok it happening due to ,system error ,please keep trying every hour but I m facing since week.
please help regard ASAP. THANKS
hi
.. can i know its possible to change sponsership from my current employer to under my husband without noc? please reply
did you change your sponsorship without NOC?.I have same issue.
can my old sponsor prevent my application of employment change in Qatar
Hi Moses, If the old sponsor has a valid reason he can raise an objection.
hi my labour contract is 5 years. I have resigned after 3 years. I exited country since my employer was not giving Noc. now I got new job offer, but my new visa is getting rejected repeatedly. AM I BLOCKED BY OLD EMPLOYER FOR NOT COMPLETING CONTRACT. how long is the ban KINDLY GUIDE
Hi Vilas, Usually, the ban would be until the end of your original contract period. However, it can vary depending on many factors. If the employer has filed an absconding report or any case against you, it may take longer. Please ask one of your friends to check your status through a typing center in Qatar.
thank you for your response . how to check my status in typing center. can you guide me please regarding this
Hi Vilas, Please ask any of your friends to visit a typing center in Qatar and provide your Qatar ID number for verification. The staff at the typing center will know how to check for an.
good day im domestic helper and my contract is about to finish (2years) can i ask my employer to issue NOC so i can able to transfer and work to another company, please advise many thanks.
Hi Andy, Yes, you will need NOC from old sponsor to move to another company.
i want to ask if I switch my job in Qatar and my family is already there what about my family qid , it will also be changed or do they need to travel to home county and than come back after new qid assigned to me ?
I got termination Lefter from my govermental company in 20 May 2024 and want me to leave country in 1 month. I worked in company 3 years.
This time is not enough for me to sell my car and Housing furniture. Is this normal What can I do
Hi,
What is the procedure for sponsorship change from work visa to husbands sponsorship
do i need to resign my current contract before i start the change of sponsorship?
Hi Please update the transfer of sponsorship procedure. They have new website now and new process.
My husband had resigned in November, the notice period was for 3 months, he did not get salary that month, then he joined a new company in February. It has been 3 months since he joined, it is the end of April till now. The previous company did not give 3 months salary and end of service nor is anyone responding, what should we do in this situation?
Good day sir!
I finished my first contract here in Qatar for almost 2years and 5 months, then I changed sponsorship last February 2024. I would like to ask if possible to change sponsorship/company again after my Probation period (6months) here in my new company? My 6 months here will be on August 2024 and my QID will expired on September 2024. I want to transfer again for a new sponsorship is it possible after 6 months here in my new company? Thank you and looking forward to hearing from you!
Currently my profession in QID is Engineer.But I have No UPDA.
Now i have submitted application for Employer change and under Notice period.
Is my new company can choose and give any other profession to me because of non UPDA for me.
Hi DG!
Thanks for the post above! Would like to hear your input on this:
Assume I will finish my 2-year (24 months in total, inclusive of the 6 mos probation) contract. During that period, I have been actively seeking jobs and luckily found one a month before the 24th month. Meaning on the 23rd month, I have filed for resignation, effectively starting to render my 1-month notice period. Simultaneously, I have filed to change employer. Assuming everything goes well, do I have or need to go back to my home country to get a new QID? Heard over the grapevine that the company I work for does not give NOC so that’s a caveat I would like to throw.
Thanks in advance!
hi Sir.. good morning. Sir I have changed sponsorship and given Noc to new employer..due to previous request in system my new employer not able to applied.,but two days before the request it’s removed because I given request paper to ministry. Now yesterday my new employer applied ,but I didn’t receive message.so it may take more time and when shall I get approval to join.. last 2 months I am jobless..please guide
Hi Shaikh, Please check the status with your new employer or his PRO. They can check online.
Hi, I have switched my job and now my sponsorship transfer to new employer is in progress, I have signed the QLC (Qatar Labor Contract) and now waiting for the authentication of QLC and the new QID. During this period can I join my new employer or should I wait for the QLC authentication, sponsorship transfer completion and new QID?
Note: I am still under my previous employer’s sponsorship in my QID
Hi Abdullah, You need to discuss this with your new employer’s PRO. Usually people start working after signing contract, but the new employer should be ready to answer in case of a labour checking (which is very rare).
Hi DL, my current employer has waved off my notice period and mentioned the same in my NOC. I have shared all the necessary documents with my new employer. Now I am planning to go to my home country for few weeks before joining the new company. Will there be any issue if am outside the country during the whole process of sponsorship change with the permission of my old/current employer. Is there any specific time during the process where I should be back inside Qatar?
Hi PN, Usually it is allowed to travel during sponsorship change. However please call 109 to double check because this is a serious matter.
Dar PN,
Im facing same situation now, can you please advise your experience , whether we can travel in notice period ?? im planning for EID holidays , but i have 1 month more in notice period .
We need to know that in the termination letter,what the exactly amount of salary and end of service which written by employers.Because we deffernce ammount on termination letter and We have to write as much as is due from our company, is there any exact amount to write on this letter.
Hi Anita, There is no standard rule about specifying this on termination letter. For some companies ESB is calculated at a later stage by HR and a separate letter will be issued. Sometimes they would simply transfer this to bank as final settlement (calculation will not be shown). If you are not satisfied with the calculation you can ask your HR Department.