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:
- 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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I resigned from my previous employer on 19-02-2020 also cancelled my QID same day.
After one year now am applying for a visa, its getting rejected and asking for previous employer NOC.
What shall I do to solve this problem.
My previous employer not even responding
I send emails to labor department, unfortunately no reply .
I am applying 9 December 2020 ,1 sms coming but approval sms not coming now till. But I want to go my country urgent. Now what I can do.
Hii , I came here in qatar on 5th feb 2021 on a work yearly resident visa. And now I am in probation period. Company has offered me 6 months offer during highering but due to visa restrictions they did not get the visa and they issued my yearly resident work visa from QVC India. But in Qvc they taken sign on 2 years contract. But now I got the new job offer in client company for May 2021, who is offer me 3 times higher salary than from here. And I want to go on new company. So can you please suggest me how Will I change the company during my probation period.
Now the ministry also requires that you get an NOC from ur company(which is okay) but little did they know that some company’s can’t, willnot provide NOC(it’s inherent, part of their culture and strong belief system) now this leaves us hands down,stripped of any right yet in the media and google is awash with how possible it is to change jobs.”i really don’t get it😏😒” it is sort of becoming lipservice🤷♂️🤷♂️🤷♂️.
The companies have where to run to but we don’t 😒😒😴very disturbing. The company says we don’t give at any one time NOC even after end of service(either you resign and go home or stay and work).Now the procedure that other companies and now the ministry require is that you get NOC(which the company willnot give)
So iam really disturbed about this matter,some one with information or help on how i can go about this please help🙏🙏🙏.i have tried to add so much value to my self(asin education)i feel i need something better but my company says we bought you as this ,the rest isn’t our business. Be working now 21months,nolonger have morale, feels like iam a slave yet in a lovely country Qatar that seems free and all this changes in employment laws but some companies are big boys.so how does one deal with the big boys?
What is a clearance letter and is it mandatory in changing sponsorship in Qatar?
any one can the company change without NOC
Hi Everyone,
Has anyone of you transferred from company to husband sponsorship? How long would the process usually takes and what are the documents needed to be uploaded on the ADLSA? Thanks!
Hi Sir,
I apply for change of employer receive the message of application received until wait confirmation message.
My question is Now I am in notice period up to 28/02/2021 last working day at current employer after Can I go vacation.
is the QID get a valid.. to entry in qatar amidst of employer change application.
or my current employer can cancel my QID in the notice period . if they have cancelled my QID then how long I can stay QID or is there valid for out from country and reentry to qatar.
I have the same question…
It would be helpful if the LABOR DEPARTMENT reply back with the approval confirmation within a week. APPROVED OR NOT it will help WORKERS, CONFIRMATION delayed for 2, 3, 4 months? what happened?
If I agree with my actual employer for immediate release to my new employer, and he gives me a written approval for immediate release, do I need in all cases to wait one month to be transferred to the new employer?
Nothing has change.. its the same NO NOC, NO TRANSFER. NO RESIGNATION, NO TRANSFER. EMPLOYERS WIN
YES…………………….BOSS …………..YOU ABSOLUTELY RIGHT….
True, am a soul victim
Kindly give people the right information because people are getting stuck while trying to change jobs, the NOC certificate has simply been replaced with the requirement to provide a signed and stamped resignation letter from your previous employer, which the employers are refusing to sign and so basically you can’t transfer without it, they replaced NOC with a resignation letter, without this letter your transfer will not be processed, this happened after employers complained to the government about the new labour law announced in Sept 2020, so as usual the employer wins again and we are stuck at jobs we don’t like with skills we that could be of better use in other areas.
we are the same brother my current company refuse to sign and stamp this is so much unfair this kind of rule shout out to my current company they are always saying go directly to ministry stamp and sign are not required they are playing game they won’t give the good salary and yet no additional salary.
you are a right man ..
The state has no any responsibility ?????
HH Amir signed the removal of NOC then how can replace as Resignation letter to be need for change of employer……
This is cruel to all poor employees.
This is not good ………
They want to live as their like with the most humanity
Not a SLAVERY…………………………………………..
Not a SLAVERY…………………………………………
AT LEAST GIVE THE MINIMUM RIGHT TO CHOOSE EMPLOYER FOR POOR LABORS
GOD MAY BLESS YOU ……………………………..
Hello I applied For changing job request on 15 November still its not Approved and My Id is getting expired on 02/02/2021 February so in this case what i need to do? And i given resignation for 1 month and its completed also now i am not working also in this case my old Company is telling he cancel my id also now what i need to do please help me Thank you
@admin please Follow my comment
What could be the reasons for rejection from ADSLa?
Is the previous employer consulted before the approval of the change?
Can the previous employers influence the ADSLa decision and stop the transfer?
Hi.
I have completed my 11 years in my previous company, now I have got a good opportunity in one of the company, but my company refuse to give me NOC, without NOC how can I change the sponsorship.
Hi.
Today I found out that my friends job change approval has been rejected by the Labour Administrator because they requested to get the current employers stamp and signature for the resignation letter which is similar to NOC. Therefore it is like NOC but in a different way. (Current Employers Stamp and Signature is must to change the job)
which date did you try to apply in ADSLa ??
because my current company says they wont give there has a new rules without stam and sign they will accept in Adlsa
Assalam aleikum bro Mohammed?
Yes,your current company’s seal,stamp and signature is a must.No choice,modified NOC
All the best brother
You no need NOC or anything you can change anytime without your current sponsor which complete 5 year service with current employer…
apply online
submit – 1. New employer NOC, 2. Application form with new employer signed with stamp, 3. current employer job contract which is signed before 5 year.
Sir i completed 7 years with current employer but signed one more contract before few months ago.Now i got Another job offer Is it possible to change without NOC if my new employer don.t have indian visa.
Kindly advise.
Hi Ameer, Yes, you can change the employer after submitting the resignation and serving the notice period. As per the current rule you don’t need NOC from your previous employer.
I just want to ask here if somebody can answer my question there is new rule of qatar labour law at this moment because my current company said they are not given the stamp and sign because of that please i need your comment guys thankyou
I applied for the change sponsor 24 November but approval massage not come till now why
I want to apply 6 months NOC to work other company. What is the procedure
Hi,
I visited the Labour Administration department in West Bay yesterday regarding the job change status. Since the new company applied my job change request on 10 December 2020, the approval or rejected message will be sent on 10 Jan 2021. If there is no message coming from the Labour Department l, The the PRO of the new company must take all the relevant documents and visit the Labour department. This was the advise I received from those Administrators in Labour Department.
Wot about those people who applied before you? Although i have applied on 22nd Nov 2020 however my new employer already visited labor dept but he had been asked to wait & they have not given specific timeline.
I got an offer letter from new employer, but my current employer don’t want to sign and stamp my resignation letter for my new employer to continue the process, please advice on what to do at this point
same my concern they told me there is new qatar labour law without sign and stamp they said okay??
Iam alredy informed our company and give the resignation later also give my ofer later but he risived but don’t sing thir how can aply ??? I dont know he said give the new company sing later after i will give the resignation but new company said give me your resignation later with sing your hr and company stamp thir have if you dont give the paper after your offer later also expire.