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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Hw can I change my job wth out noc.. My contract is finish… 2yrs and 1month..
Hi Marjorie, If your employer decides not to renew your contract you can go back to your country and come back on a new job. NOC is not required.
Dear sir,
Recently my company terminated me and he is not giving me NOC/ Termination Latter, if i get offer from other company then can i change my company , if possible please kindly let me know the process.
Hello
My friend visa is expired on 7 April and want to change the sponsor. But his employer didn’t register his contract before. How he can change the sponsor? He is working in house of local person.
Hi Kamran, If the employer cancels the visa and relieves the employee, he can go back to his country and come back on a new job. NOC is not required.
Hi, I got the approval message from ADLSA with notice period. If incase my current company offering a better increment i can still continue here, or need to do something officially to cancel that approval or further proceedings?
Hi Mukesh, You have to cancel the application.
Hi Sayed, Since this is a complicated issue please go through your new company PRO or a good typing centre.
Even I got the approval message with last day of notice period, my present company PRO contact the new employer amd saying that they will cancel the approved request. Is it possible in anyway?
Hi Mukesh, Your present company can cancel only if they provide a valid reason to Labour Department. The acceptance will depend on what reason they are presenting.
I have been offered by different company submitted my resignation letter to change company and my current company refuse to give me NOC and also cancelled my resident permit.
Any possibility.
Hi Inusah, As your resident permit is already cancelled, probably you would have to leave the country and come back on a new visa. Please check with your new employer.
I got approval message from ADLSA and it mentioning my last duty will be 30th May 2021( I submitted the request in 21 November 2020 under old rules without uploading resignation paper). So I’m planning to resign now.Is there any possibilities thet my current employer can oppose/cancel the further proceedings through ministry level?
Hi Mukesh, If you have ADLSA approval with the last day mentioned, then you don’t have to worry.
The problem is the one , Ward’s are not in action, what u tell us here are the same in field, now l have approved message to change but the company not willing to pay mi my benefits,
Hi Karugaba, If your employer is not paying your benefits you can complain to the Labour Department. Please check this link: https://www.dohaguides.com/labour-complaint-in-qatar/
What is the process of changing the employer after Qatar ID expires?
Qatar ID and job contract is going to expire in 2 weeks, need to change my employer for a better position. Kindly let me know the process.
Hi Mohammed, You can change the employer within 90 days of QID expiry. Once your old contract and QID is expired your new employer can start the hiring process with Labour Department. Please check with the new company on how to proceed.
HELLO SIR
I had applied for job changing through ADLSA on 24 feb 2021. i did not get notice period message so far. And i resigned my job from my current employer on 23 feb 2021. is there in suggestion in this matter becz my new employer told me to join their company and told me that our PRO will handel it.
Good morning sir, presently I have completed 21 months with present company, and not getting offer letter from another company, because I am getting good opportunity to join with new organisation,so it is possible to join with New company,but my present company not giving NOC,but I need to join with New organisation,if another means is there to join with New company please let me know
Dear Gentleman,
I applied for employment change through ADLSA and get approval from ADLSA that my last working day will be 03 March 2021 i was in notice period and did not stop my work in this period with current company on 24- Feb 2021 i get ADLSA msg that my approval has been cancel
please advice me what i have to do
I have finish eight years in my current company and i have valid qatar residency permit i got another job offer but my current company doest want to give me noc to change my job
I have working for 4 years and 10 months with a leading company in here Doha. Can I change with an offer letter of another desired company with one month notice to the current company where I am currently working. Please confirm whether I must inform my company or wait for the SMS from MOI.
Or else, I have to wait for two months to complete my successful five years and move away smoothly.
Much appreciate your response.
Hi Mohamed, If the worker has worked with the employer for more than two years, the notice period is two months. You have to submit the resignation letter and get it stamped by your old employer. After this only you can apply online to the Ministry of Labour. After submitting a resignation letter, you have to continue working during the notice period (two more months). Your application will be processed by the Labour Department during this time.
Same …. apply Dec 22,2020 … contarct done,id done, stop work. Ready.no work no pay.. not allowed go out until not approval.. we die in said this room for waiting
The aproval .. please help … # 50388728
Dear Sir,
I got termination latter. I was apply to change the employee but it was Rejected. Now I got offer latter new employers. Now how can I change my employees.
Good day… Dec,15,2020 is my finist contract in my company in my id also end.,then i apply Dec,22,2020 In adlsa i waiting until now my approval.. but so sad becuase my id almos 3months is expir are last March 15,and i stop ready in my work. I dont have anything now even food stock and money nothing. Because of that waiting process my papers until now.this my number 50388728 please help me… this matter,thankyou..
Helo this is Jackson kindly help me I have been working with my company for the last 21months I got a job offer with a new company and the labour approved my application so now do I need to resign from my company
Hi Jackson, The question is not clear. When you say Labour approved your application, doesn’t it mean you already submitted the resignation letter to your previous employer?
Hi, i am Katherine and i am a domesti worker from the philippines. I want to change a job at the moment I’ll be finishing my 3 yrs time with my current employer.i am afraid that i won’t be released and won’t hand me an noc. I want to legally work here still in Qatar. What can you suggest me about my personal concern? Hoping for a positive response.. Thank you and God bless!
Hi Katherine, If you are facing difficulties with your employer, there are different ways for you to seek help from the Labour Department. Please check this link: https://www.dohaguides.com/labour-complaint-in-qatar/
Can I still file a complaint even I am outside of Qatar already?
I worked under same employer since 7 years and my company not ready to provide NOC and i have another job offer letter but they don’t have indian visa.Is it possible to change job without NOC and resignation without stamp since my current contract is valid 6 months.
Kindly advise
Dear Sir,
My company terminated me. I got termination latter. I have also job offer. How can I change. Before I submit to change employee it was Rejected. Now I got another company job offer. How can I change
Hi Ali, Since you are already terminated, your new employer has to apply for your new work permit.
Dear Sir,
This is Vikash Kumar . Currently I am in Qatar I Came here on work visa on 5th feb 2021 with a company who is giving me 4000 salary. And currently I am in Probation period. But now I want to change job and want to join new company on The month of May 2021 here in Qatar. So can you please suggest me how I will get the clearance from my current company so I can move to another company.
Already I have an offer from the new company they offered me 105 USD per day salary which is 2 times higher then my current company’s salary.
And they offered me 6 months turnaround offer.
So I am requesting you to suggest me how I go to new company
Hello, my new company uploaded the required documents for change employer on the 16th of November, 2020. Unfortunately, the status still “under process”, it’s has been less than 4 months now but nothing happens. 16008 call center can’t even answer the real status of the application. They will only tell you to go to the ADLSA office, but if you go to their office they will not allow you to enter without the company PRO. Also, I emailed them twice but still, they will not reply back to you. My QID is already expired. What to do?
Does anyone here in the same situation?
Same situation
Same here, applied on november 24th still waiting for it.
Hi, If an employee start his first job in Qatar, then what is the minimum time period required to complete before switch to another job. Also i want to know that what is the best job portal for Qatar jobs.
Please, if I resigned from my company and I want to change to a new company, can my employer tells me that he/she won’t give or provide me the company’s clearance letter with company stamp and signature in Arabic? 🤷♂️
Hi Gideon, As per the new law you do not need a clearance letter from your old company. Instead, you have to submit the resignation letter with notice period. The rest of the process is explained in this article. If you are finding it difficult to do this yourself, please check with any typing center.
If you finished your 5 years contract, is the resignatio form with company approval required?
HELP!!!!!!!!!
Dear team,
I have NOC and i have another offer. My notice period in my previous company is already finished and am sitting in my room without any activities. I wanted to go back to my country for the vacation. New company asked me to apply in the Ministry’s website by myself and i can join them only after getting the approval. Approval will take a minimum of 1.5 months.
I just wanted to know if i can go back to my country after applying in the website ? Is it mandatory for me to be in the country during the entire process of sponsorship transfer ?
Is it possible to go to home country once i applied in the ADLSA and come back to qatar once i get the approval message from the ADLSA
Hi Mohammed, This is a very rare situation. So please check this with the PRO of your current company.