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 02 February 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.
- Recent History of Qatar's Labour Reforms
- New 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
- FAQ on Changing Jobs in Qatar
Recent 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.
New Procedure to Change Job in Qatar
The latest steps to change jobs in Qatar, as explained by the Ministry of Labour (in 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.
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:
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- 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 DG..team Sir I changed sponsorship now waiting to join they told me it’s takes one month to process. My current employer from October to this month. till now not paid my salary,they telling October month salary will pay this Sunday and also my service gratuity not received even I completed my notice period(2 month). what shall I do.. directly go to labour department or can file online complaint. which option is better and how to get my money as soon as possible. please suggest me. Thanks
Hi Shaikh, Try to settle with your employer before going to Labour (as it may take time). If nothing works, you can file Labour complaint. Here are different ways to do that: https://www.dohaguides.com/labour-complaint-in-qatar/
Hi DG Team,
First of all I thank you for this very comprehensive article which is vital important for an employee in Qatar.
My employer has failed to pay ,y salaries on time (3 months delay). I would like to find another job and I will transfer my sponsorship right after I get the job. I may need to transfer without giving the notice period to my current employer. As per your article I can transfer to another company without giving the notice period if my company failed to pay my wages on time. (As per the amendment of labor law Article 5). Could you please provide the reference for this amendment for further reading. Thanks again.
Hi Ahmed, On the bottom part of the “Change of Employer” form, there is an option to select “I will not complete the notice period because my current employer violated my rights”. You have to select this option. You can refer to the labour law here: https://www.almeezan.qa/LawPage.aspx?id=3961&language=en
Sir I have completed 2 month notice period that I received from Adlsa. now my employer trying to apply labour contract and new Qid . it showing change employer request not found in system. why this kind of message showing. I have to join as soon as possible but because of this and new employer agent told he will check I am afraid to losing job. already completed notice period. waiting for your reply please help.
Hi Shaikh, This could be a system error. If you have already received the approval SMS, visit the Labour Office to check this directly.
Thank you so much Sir.
You are welcome Shaikh!
Sir.. I have query. I changed my sponsorship to new employer because my current employer not ready to give Noc.now new employer will ready to Noc to join a company that I received job offer. So my question is I can join and work immediate or it takes time..if it’s how much time..can u pls explain.Thanks
Hi Shaikh, First your change of sponsorship should be approved by Ministry of Labour. While you submit your application online, upload the NOC and mention that your employer does not want notice period. The Ministry will review this and approve this. After this your new employer can upload new labour contract online. Once this is approved your sponsorship will be changed to new employer and they will apply new QID for you. After this only you are supposed to start working. Usually this may take few weeks (average time nowadays is one month). If your new employer’s PRO visits Labour office they can make this process faster.
Thank you so much Sir…. I really appreciate 😊
Hi DG, I just want to ask if is it possible to check the other person’s record in CID? if i need to check someone (not myself) if he/she has any case or he/she do not have, but I don’t have his/her QID copy or even QID number. Is it possible to check other people’s case information just using their name only?
Hi Paula, There is no way to check with the name because there would be many people with the same name. You will need at least their QID number.
Hi, my application is under review as of 30/11/2024 after 3 rejections. My QID expires in 8 days time. If I don’t get approval before expiration, what will happen to my current visa? I’m asking because I suspect my employer is deliberately withholding renewal because usually they renew months ahead.
Hi Jeff, There is a grace period of 90 days after QID expiry. After that there is a fine of QR 10 per day. If you application gets rejected again you should check the reason and try to resolve.
dear Sir.. my notice period going to end next month. But my old company not paying my service gratuity and 2 month pending salary.. what shall I do before leave or how can I file a complaint. is it good to file prior to complete notice period or after
please help.
Hi Shaikh, Usually companies pay end of service during the last week of notice period. If you have got a new job in Qatar you can file a complaint after your notice period ends. If you will be leaving Qatar, it is better to contact Ministry of Labour helpline and discuss about pending salary now.
Thank you so much Sir….
You are welcome Shaikh!
Hai, i have an issue for changing visa the New employer asking me for NOC to submit PCC, but my current employer doesnt want to provide NOC and resignation letter, and they will cancel my visa after 3 days finish my notice period, i will transfer from private to goverment sector, if there is anything i can do to help with this issue, is it possible i can submit through labor even without 2 letter they are asking, i only have proof by email if they accept my resignation and give me notice period for 2 month, i have been working for more than 8 years, thank you for your answer
Hi Nana, Please check with your new employer if you can apply for change of sponsorship through Ministry Website (without NOC). Since you have email proof and you have completed 8 years it should be approved without NOC.
Hi, I’m with my present employer for 1.6 years, I have submitted my resignation to exit country, do I need to submit leave country notice in ADLSA?
Hi Muhammad, If your employer is ready to cancel your Qatar ID before you leave, you don’t have to do anything. If you feel your employer may raise an objection or not cancel your QID it is better to apply for leave country notice. Make sure QID is cancelled or else you may face difficulty while applying for new visa.
Hi,
what about the visa?the new employer needs to issue new visa for employee or can just use the existing visa or rp?
Hi Amirah, New visa has to be applied by new employer. You will get a new QID.
Hi,
Brother what is the main reason that reject Employer Change let’s me guide plz
Hi Fazal, Most common reason is applying for change without completing a reasonable time with the old employer. Another reason is if the employer raises an objection (with a valid reason).
Hi, I changed my sponsorship and i noticed that my contact is unlimited. Im not familiar about this contract. Please give me idea about it, how long it will take. If possible to resign after one year and find another company. Thank you
Hi Gian, Limited contract will have a fixed time period (1,2, or 3 years). Unlimited contracts does not have such period. You can change your employer even in unlimited contract.
Hi, I have applied for employer change on 10 th Oct , even after one month im still to receive the approval ,
My application expiry date also finished , when will receive approval ?
Hi Rahul, Unfortunately nowadays most applications are taking one month.
hey Rahul have same situation here…did u got. any news.. cause my application will expire tomorrow.
I appreciate if u answer me asap.thank you
Hi , you will get confirmation message after one month the day you received EC number , also now a days it dosnt matter you complete one year service or more than two because from the day you apply the EC from that day you will get two months notice period, it happens in my case and lots of cases which i heard.
Thanks for the info Rahul!
Hello, I got to Qatar in September and my sponsor company had expired. My sponsor promise to start his company again and asked me to pay for medical and QID which I did. Since then my sponsor hasn’t been picking my calls and he has blocked me on WhatsApp. Please what can I do to for medical and QID?
Hi Emmanuel, Sorry to hear that. Please note that you have to complete your QID printing within 90 days of entry. If you cannot contact the sponsor within that period it is better to inform the authorities and leave the country. Or else you will be considered illegal.
Hi , My QID is linked with exit permit requirement , will it create any problem while sponsorship change approval from ADLSA??
Hi Rahul, This won’t be an issue.
Hi this is Amruth, i have an offer from qatar airways, they are asking me to submit eNOC through metrash2 before exit the country. Problem is my current employer cancelled my QID without uploading ENOC. Kindly suggest
Hi Amruth, You can try to get printed NOC letter from your old sponsor. Please check with Qatar Airways if that will work.
hi
this is Fridaus am anew house manager in qatar it’s now 3month how can I change job from my sponsor to another job please
Hi DG team! Greetings!
I received a termination letter from my current employer with 2-month notice period, the last date being 15th December 2023. Now it seems they will extend my notice period by providing me a notice period extension letter on last week of my current notice period. The issue is I already got a better offer and want to change to new employer after completing my current notice period, and start working with new employer from december 16, 2023. Also to note that on 30th december 2023, i will complete 5 years with current employer.
Please advise,
1.) If I can deny the notice period extension if received?
2.) considering the chances of rejection of EC application by current employer, Is it better to apply now for employer change, or shall I apply after December 30 ( as I will complete 5 years on December 30)
(is it like if applied for employer change after completion of 5 years, there will be less chances for rejection from current employer)
Relevant suggestion would be highly appreciated.
Thank you
Hi Mohammad, When you are applying for Change of Employer, the Ministry automatically assigns the notice period starting from the date of application. If you apply in November first week, then your automatic notice period will be until January first week. To bypass this automatic notice period, you have to submit a letter from your employer that says that you both have agreed to reduce your notice period (there is an option for this at the bottom of Change of Employer form).
Since you already have a job offer, explain the situation to your employer. Try to reach an agreement. Get a letter that says your notice period will be until 15 December. Submit this letter to the Ministry when applying for Change of Employer. And try to apply as soon as possible, because nowadays the processing itself takes around 1 month. Good luck.
Thank you DG team for the prompt suggestion.
Does it mean that last date of notice period mentioned in the termination letter will not be considered by ministry if applied now for EC ?
Hi Mohammad, If it is clearly mentioned in the termination letter they may consider that. We have also seen cases where they haven’t considered that (perhaps because termination letter is in English the officers don’t read them in detail). In either case apply for Change of Employer without any delay.
Its been three weeks i have applied for employer change still approval not received , as per status check it is under review and expiry is 09-nov-2023,
please suggest when will receive the employer notice message and also how much will be notice as i have worked less than two years
Hi Rahul, Nowadays it is taking around 1 month for most people.
Hi,
I have applied for change of sponsorship through ADLSA on October 4th and I received a message saying under review on 9th october and until 25th october I haven’t received any kind of message to my number. Do you have any information or can you guide me how many days approximately it takes for getting the approval message from ministry of labor
Hi , Did u got the approval , i want to ask how many years you worked in the company?
Hi Sangeetha, Currently there is a delay in getting notice period messages (takes around 3-4 weeks for most people). Even if the message comes late there is a chance that they may consider your notice period from the date of application.
Hi, My new employer applied for sponsorship change thro ADLSA with my accepted resignation letter ( By mail acceptance and stamped copy). I am working more tha 8 years in current employer. But they will not provide me NOC. I want to what are the possible ways still current employer raise objection for change sponsorship. How much probability get it approved?
Hi Mohan, Since you have already worked for 8 years and your have submitted the accepted resignation letter, chances of rejection are very very low. Your previous employer can raise an objection if you have signed a non-compete clause in your agreement that says you will not work for another employer in the same field. This is usually applicable only to positions with access to high level and confidential information.
Hi , My new employer applied for EC ON 10t oct and EC number On 15th Oct , please let me know when ill receive approval message , i have completed one year in current company and contract is unlimited , new employer applied through resignation acceptance .
Also how much notice period will i get from ministry as one of my friend applied same option and worked below one year and got two month notice period from ministry .
Hi Rahul, Currently there is a delay for most approvals. Most people get message in 1-3 weeks.
Regarding the notice period, it should be one month if worked less than two years (as per the Ministry). We don’t know why your friend got two months.
Hi ,i have to change employer profession but my previous company was blocked i have to change my profession i am joining in another company my new company asking to change my profession but my previous company saying they can’t change..any suggestion please
Hi Raheem, Please contact a typing center. They will advise you.