11 Easy Ways To File Labour Complaint in Qatar (2024)

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 15 February 2024.

Nearly two million expatriates from around the world are working in Qatar, building the infrastructure and providing the services behind the country’s rapid economic expansion. Even with strict regulations in place, there are some private employers who do not pay salaries on time or provide the necessary facilities to their employees.

The Government of Qatar has established several support centres and helplines to protect such vulnerable employees. This article explains the different ways in which an employee can lodge an official labour complaint against his/her employer.

What To Do If Your Employer Is Not Paying Your Salary?

Qatar Government places the utmost importance on strengthening the rights of its guest workers and ensuring that all companies respect these rights and adhere to Qatar’s labour laws.

The Wage Protection System (WPS) has been established to ensure that workers’ wages are paid on time, and those wage arrears are systematically settled.

According to Labor Law No. 14 of 2014 and the accompanying Ministerial resolution, salaries should be paid up within a maximum of seven (7) days from the due date.

If an employer does not transfer payments using the WPS within seven days of their due date, the Minister can suspend the issuance of new work permits to the employer and/or suspend all dealings with the Ministry. This is subject to suspension, not including the authentication of any job contracts.

How To File A Labour Complaint Against Employer

An employee who does not receive his salary on time can make an official complaint to the Ministry of Labour (formerly known as MADLSA) through various channels explained below and the Ministry will process it in due time.

1. Labour Complaint Through Unified Platform for Complaints and Whistleblowers

This Unified Platform for Complaints and Whistleblowers platform, was launched in mid-2021 to help employees file complaints.

Through the platform, the user can file a complaint, report a violation, follow up on complaints, and review his personal data registered in the Ministry’s database. He can also update his contact data from a mobile number and an email.

The steps to submit a labour complaint on the Ministry of Labour Complaints Portal is as below:

  1. Go to Ministry of Labour Complaints and Whistleblower Portal
  2. Click on “Submit A Complaint (Login As Individual)”
  3. On the next page, you can log in using your QID / Visa Number + Mobile Number
  4. Click on “Request OTP”
  5. Enter the OTP you received on your mobile and proceed as instructed
ADLSA Complaints-and Whistleblower Portal

Another option is to log in using your National Authentication System (NAS) username and password. Either way, you will be redirected to the same page.

The concerned department will review the complaints and disputes after receiving them and will communicate with the complainant through SMS and e-mail.

The complaint can be against entities subject to the provisions of Qatar Labor Law No. 14 of 2004 and the Domestic Workers Law promulgated by Law No. 15 of 2017 or the entities that the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labor and Social Affairs regulate Its business.

You can also use this portal to raise a complaint as a whistleblower (third party complaint).

2. Labour Complaint By SMS To Ministry of Labour Hotline Number

Qatar’s Ministry of Labour has an SMS service launched to communicate with workers about their problems. The hotline is available 24 hours and in several languages.

The steps to submit a labour complaint as SMS on the Ministry of Labour Hotline Number 92727 is as below:

  1. Open your phone’s text message (SMS) option
  2. Type 5 then Qatar ID Number or Visa Number
  3. Send the SMS to 92727
Ministry of Labour Qatar Labour Complaint SMS Hotline
Image Source: MADSLA

This procedure enables workers who would not be able to go directly to the Ministry, to submit their complaints while ensuring that the confidentiality of those complaints is maintained.

3. Labour Complaint By Calling Ministry of Labour Hotline Number

Workers can call the Ministry of Labour Hotline number 16008 to raise a complaint.

To report violations regarding workers’ accommodation conditions, one should call on 40280660.

4. Labour Complaint By Sending E-mail

Another option is to send an e-mail to the Ministry of Labour: [email protected]

5. Labour Complaint Through Amerni Mobile App

2023 Update: The Amerni mobile app is currently not working.

Workers can also submit their complaints online via the “Amerni Qatar” application for smartphones, which provides electronic services in 33 languages.

The steps to submit a labour complaint on Amerni Mobile App is as below:

  1. Download and Install the “Amerni Qatar” app from Google Play Store or Apple App Store
  2. Log in using your Tawtheeq (NAS) account
  3. Complete the initial setup (Read the Amerni Mobile App User Guide)
  4. On the home page, click on the “Submit Labour Complaint” icon
  5. Select the language and enter the complaint details
Labour Complaint Through Amerni Mobile App

The Amerni Mobile App also has a separate “Domestic Worker Complaint” option.

Related: How to Create Tawtheeq Qatar Account

6. Labour Complaint Through Minstry’s Self-service Kiosks

Workers can also submit their complaints anonymously through Minstry’s self-service kiosks around Qatar. These kiosks offer services in 10 languages, including Arabic, English, Nepalese, Hindi, Bengali, Urdu, Tamil etc.

ADLSA Self Service Kiosk for Labour Complaint

A worker can lodge his complaint in his native language in a simple form requiring three steps. He can then take a printout of the complaint with all relevant data and submit it to the labour affairs department, where the dispute will be resolved amicably.

7. Labour Complaint Through Ministry of Labour Offices

Instead of going directly to Labour Court, nowadays, workers have to approach the Ministry of Labour offices, where there is a section to register such complaints.

  • Workers can visit the Labour Department Offices in Industrial Area (location map) and Al-Shahaniya (location map) to raise a complaint in person.
  • The Labour Office’s operating hours are Sunday to Thursday from 7:30 AM to 12:30 PM.

Below are the steps to make a direct complaint with the Ministry of Labour office:

  • Note down the full name of the company and location
  • Get the contact number of the company’s manager or the number of Mandoob
  • Take a copy of your Passport and Qatar ID
  • Go to the Labour Department office
  • On reaching the office, fill up the complaint form
  • Submit the form to the labour inspector
  • Explain your complaint and provide any documents if you got

After investigating the complaint, the Labour Department will try its best to resolve the issue without referring it to court. The Department will contact the employer and request proof and documents if necessary. The case will be referred to Labour Court if a resolution cannot be reached.

8. Labour Complaint Through Ministry Website Form

Employees can also submit their complaints and suggestions using the contact form on the Ministry of Labour website.

The steps to submit a labour complaint on the Ministry of Labour website is as below:

  1. Go to the Complaints Page on the Ministry of Labour Website.
  2. Choose the type as “Suggestion” or “Query”.
  3. Enter your name, e-mail, phone number and Qatar ID number.
  4. Provide the details of your complaint in description box.
  5. Click on “Submit”.
Qatar Ministry of Labour Complaints Page
Qatar Ministry of Labour Complaints Page

How to A Submit Labour Complaint to NHRC

Another option is to complain to the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC).

NHRC is established for the protection and promotion of human rights for everyone, subject to the jurisdiction of the State of Qatar (citizens, residents, and transit travellers). Those who feel their rights are violated may file a complaint to the NHRC to take necessary action.

You can make a complaint to NHRC using the below options:

1. Labour Complaint Through NHRC Website

  • Step 1: Go to NHRC Website’s Complaint Form Page
  • Step 2: If you don’t have an account click on “Create Account”
  • Step 3: Register with details like Name, QID/Passport, Phone Number, E-mail etc.
  • Step 4: Once registration is completed, login to submit the complaint form
File Labour Complaint Through NHRC Website

2. Labour Complaint Through NHRC E-mail or Fax

A worker can also send the complaint form to NHRC via e-mail or fax. Here are the steps:

  • Step 1: Download the Complaint Form from the NHRC website
  • Step 2: Take a printout of the form
  • Step 3: Complete the form with contact information
  • Step 4: Attach a copy of your ID card (for Qataris) and a copy of your passport or visa (for non-Qataris)
  • Step 5: Attach any related documents to support your complaint
  • Step 6: Send your complaint via fax or e-mail address
NHRC Telephone:00974-44048844, 50000313, 60073333
NHRC Hotline8002222
NHRC E-mail:[email protected]
NHRC Fax:00974-44444013

3. Labour Complaint Through NHRC Office

Workers can visit the office of the National Human Rights Commission directly to submit the printed complaint form, document copies and any supporting document (as explained in the previous option).

NHRC Office is located in Fereej Abdulaziz (Nasser Bin Khalid intersection, Behind Doha Petrol Station, Otabi Tower) Here is the NHRC Location Map.


How To Check The Status Of A Labour Complaint?

Once you have made a complaint and received the reference number, you can check the status on the Ministry of Labour website or the Amerni mobile app.

Option 1: Checking The Status On Ministry Website

Below are the steps to check the labour complaint status on the Ministry website

  • Step 1: Go to the Ministry of Labour website complaint status page
  • Step 2: Enter the establishment registration number (field 1)
  • Step 3: Enter the complaint number (field 2)
  • Step 4: Select the year from the drop-down menu
  • Step 5: Press the “Submit” button
Check the Status of Labour Complaint in Qatar
This webpage is currently available in Arabic only.

Option 2: Checking The Status on Amerni Mobile App

You can also check the status of your labour complaint using the Amerni mobile app.

  • Step 1: Open the Amerni mobile app
  • Step 2: Sign in using Tawtheeq (NAS) username and password
  • Step 3: Select “Individual”
  • Step 4: Click on “Labour Complaint Follow-up”
  • Step 5: Select the year
  • Step 6: Follow the instructions

Labour Dispute Settlement Committees

Qatar has established Labour Dispute Settlement Committees to improve workers’ access to justice.

When a dispute arises, workers and employers first present the dispute to the Labour Ministry, which will take the necessary measures to resolve the issue amicably and examine the dispute raised within a period not exceeding seven days.

When a complaint is raised to the Labour Dispute Settlement Committee, the Committee arbitrates all disputes and its decision is issued with immediate enforcement within a period that does not exceed three weeks.

Complaints can also be raised through workers’ representatives who meet regularity with Ministry of Labour.


How The Labour Dispute Resolution System Works

Scenario 1: I think my employer has breached my contract and/or broke Qatar labour law.

Labour Dispute Settlement Process Scenario-1

Step 1 – Start Process

  • Lodge a complaint at Ministry of Labour – while you are still employed or not later than one year after the end of the employment relationship.

Step 2 – Ministry of Labour Meeting

  • Ministry invites parties to a meeting to seek resolution. To prepare yourself:
  • 1. Bring proof to support your complaint.
  • 2. Be ready to discuss your complaint.
  • 3. Calculate how much your losses are.

If the issue is unresolved: You can ask for your complaint to go to the Dispute Settlement Committee (DSC) for a legal hearing if your complaint is not resolved.

Step 3 – DSC Hearing

  • DSC is a court of law – it will consider the evidence of both parties. To prepare yourself:
  • 1. Bring proof to support the complaint.
  • 2. Prepare a calculation of your losses in Arabic.
  • 3. Be ready to answer questions from the DSC.

Outcome: DSC issues a legal decision. If not appealed a­fter 15 days, DSC’s decision is final.


Scenario 2: I want to challenge my employer’s decision to discipline me.

Labour Dispute Settlement Process Scenario 2

Step 1 – Start Process

  • Send a written grievance to your employer (keep a copy) – within seven days of being notified of the disciplinary penalty.

Step 2 – Employer’s Response

  • The employer has seven days to respond.

If the issue is unresolved: If you are unhappy or the employer does not respond, you can complain to the Ministry within the next seven days.

Step 3 – Ministry of Labour

  • Ministry decides if the disciplinary penalty is fair.
  • For non-dismissal penalties, the Ministry’s decision is final.
  • For dismissal penalties, if the Ministry says dismissal is fair, the worker can request a legal hearing.

Step 4 – Dismissal Cases Only – Legal Hearing

  • The matter goes to Dispute Settlement Committee (DSC). See Step 3 in Scenario 1.

NOTE: How the Ministry will deal with a worker’s complaint regarding the disciplinary actions taken by the employer depends on whether these are: Non-dismissal penalties (warnings; wage deductions; suspension and delaying promotion/wage rises) or Dismissal from employment.


Scenario 3: My employer has accused me of deliberately causing damage and has or is going to deduct my wages.

Labour Dispute Settlement Process Scenario 3

Step 1: Lodge complaint at the Ministry of Labour – within 7 days of notification of deduction.

Step 2: Ministry of Labour will decide to either cancel, reduce or agree with the deduction. Ministry of Labour’s decision is final.


Workers’ Support and Insurance Fund

Qatar has also established a Workers’ Support and Insurance Fund which will ensure and provide care for workers, guarantee their rights and provide a healthy and safe working environment.

The fund’s purpose is to secure workers’ financial payments awarded by Labour Dispute Settlement Committees when a company becomes insolvent and cannot pay workers.

Changing Employer After Labour Complaint

If the Labour Department or Labour Court finds that the employer has defaulted in paying the salary, they would be ordered to settle the salary within a specified time period. If the worker wishes to resign from the company and move to another employer, the Labour Department would also assist.

You can also report complaints like visa trading and residence law violation through the “Search and Follow-up” function on Metrash App.

Always remember, you have your legal rights, and the Qatar government is there to help. So stand up and speak for your rights.

READ NEXT: How to Change Job in Qatar Without NOC


FAQ on Labour Complaints in Qatar


What can I do if my salary is not paid?

If your salary is not paid on time or your employer mistreats you, you can file an official complaint with Qatar’s Ministry of Labour.

How can I complain to Labour in Qatar?

An employee can complain to the Ministry of Labour through various channels like calling the hotline number, SMS, e-mail, website, Amerni mobile app, Kiosks etc.

Do I need a lawyer to file a complaint?

No, in most cases, employees can directly contact Qatar’s Ministry of Labour to file a complaint without using a lawyer.

Will I be deported if I file a complaint against my employer?

If you secure a new job offer during the period of dispute, Qatar’s Labour Department will help you to change employer.

Is my employer allowed to keep my passport?

No, employers in Qatar are not allowed to keep the passport of an employee unless for official requirements like visa procedure, renewal etc.


Related Posts:

  1. How To Calculate End of Service Gratuity
  2. Qatar Labour Law: Important Points To Know
  3. Search and Follow-up on Metrash App
  4. Minimum Wage in Qatar: Everything You Need To Know
  5. Wage Protection System WPS Qatar
  6. Qatar Freelance Visa: Important Things To Know

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Images Courtesy: Ministry of Labour


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  1. HI GOOD EVENING
    I was working for Two OCEANS EDUCATION FOUNDATION. FOUNDATION in Cape Town …Ashra Norton have huge problems with the schools and communities for not paying teachers and the children was sitting without teachers for more than 3 months ..l gave her son in law Saadiq Albertyn a number for QATAR SPONSORS in 2015 after they were evicted in Manenberg..we weren’t paid but Saadiq
    Albertyn rocked up with a QATAR FLYING SAUSERS BMW from QATAR ..
    TEACHERS were scolding as we didn’t have food after not getting paid for nearly 3 months ..They Nortons travel
    the world ..after getting money from QATAR…Last year 2nd February 2021..I was injured at school ..Until today I didn’t get any MEDICAL ASSISTANCE ..The labour department in South Africa are upset …they Ashra Norton weren’t Registered by compensation Labour department for 11 years ..
    SAADIQ Albertyn didn’t work or cannot teach but Shouting …victimizing ..terrorizing ..humanliating me …tel the parents my son is on drugs …etc ..
    HOPE YOU CAN HELP ME AS THESE PEOPLE THINK THEY ARE ABOVE THE LAW AND UNTOUCHABLE after the got sponsored by QATAR ..
    Still they didn’t pay us ..
    They get money from WCED ..PENNIE APPEAL ..MUSLIM HANDS BUT FOR 11 YEARS THEY DIDNT BUILT CLASSROOM BUT ASK FOR SPONSORS IN SA….for CONTAINER FOR CLASSROOM .. …ITS UNEXCEPTABLE …
    I AM 65 YEARS OLD BUT THEY TERRORISTS ..VICTOMISED ETC ..
    HOPE YOU CAN SEE TO THESE MATER AS I USED MY OWN MEDICAL AID ..
    HOPE YOU CAN HELP ME OR GIVE ME AN EMAIL ADRESS FOR THE RIGHT PEOPLE……SO MANY THINGS TO TELL YOU ..
    AS I AM LYING MORE THAN A YEAR WITH A HEALTH BRUIDED TOE AND NO MEDICAL ASSISTANCE …
    REGARDS
    NAZIEMA FAKIR

    ..

  2. Good evening sir/madam, I have been working for my employer for 4 months now since the misunderstanding occurs when I tried to explain to her but she didn’t listen to me. immediately she call the manager from the office and they took me to the capital police department. after staying there one month, the prosecutor decided to open of me, I was released from there. when I tried to call my company to come and pick me up, unfortunately, they didn’t come, from there I decided to go to my embassy. After explaining myself to them, they told me that they will send my complaint to your office so that you can help me, after that day I have never received any information, please I need your help please. they only thing I need from my employer is NOC.

  3. Neil Delgado valdehueza

    Good afternoon sir, I’m work in stop station, address barwa village, Doha. I start to work on October 28,. 2018 until October 15 2021, I file my resignation letter to my boss, and he accepts, I exit and now I have a problem with my sponsor he did not cancel my visa, I’m hired now in other company but I talk with him about to cancel my visa did not give can you help sir please I need to back in your country Qatar I hope you can help me god bless

  4. Nallathanampy karunakaran kishanthan

    My passport keep company
    Not need company
    Salary not need
    12 Horus work
    Friday off no
    Everything rong company safety no

  5. Can you please provide a contact mode for the dispute settlement committee? The case is with them since last week of October 2021. No update whatsoever! This is taking a lot of time and we haven’t even got a hearing date till now… unbelievable! Today is the 10th of Jan 2022.

  6. Dear /sir madam July 2021 I’m was in vacation then I’m come back in September 2021 now December salary to cut my salary quarantine cost now I what to do tell me

  7. Salaam Sir/Madam,

    I am working with my current employer from past 7 years. Now I got an employment offer, but my current employer refused to provide the NOC certificate. Please guide me to get NOC.

    Thanks.

  8. Anamy Mohd Aslam

    Hello good day how to complaint about my employer i am direct hired but the person who hired me they dont put their name for my sponsorship and they keep my passport ang my iqama i ask also many times that i want to take my passport and iqama but they don’t want to give pls anyone can help what should i do…

  9. Mylene Genovania

    Hi madam/sir I have already filed a complaint and settlement was agree to.however the company did not give me the settlement on the date.I have tried many times to contact the company but my messeges been ignored.

  10. Hello good day, i work for a company for 10 years and saying that i dont have compensation, is there any way i can get my compensation? Please advice

  11. Sundeep Narayanasamy

    I raised a complaint against my company for salary delay and end of
    service settlement pending from their side. The details as follows,

    Complaint filed in against my company 01.06.2021
    Final Investigation completed in the Labor Office on 20.06.2021
    (No one present from company side)

    Received Message from labor office case closed on 19.07.2021
    Received Message from labor office case sent to Committee on 05.09.2021

    Committee allotted Case No. and Committee No. on 07.11.2021
    Committee Case No. 4413/2021
    Committee No. 2

    After I filled the expedited form and gave it to Committee No. 2. Even
    still I didn’t receive any hearing from the Committee No.2.

    How can I expedite my case?

    Please advise.

  12. Ramesh kumar adhikari

    After 2 years complete I applyed to leav vacation to go home. Company stopped it. And I resign with writing. separation form also thump print. Notice period is complete. Company not sending home even 60 days notice is complete. How many days I have to wait for go back home country with my end of service samount? Please!

  13. I submitted complaint in labour court on my 5 month salary and I also stop the work now my company didn’t give me NOC I want to change my company so please tell me how I change sponsor 🙏

    1. Doha Guides Team

      Hi Abbas, Since you already have a complaint in labour court, you have to approach the Ministry of Labour to change your sponsor. They would advise you.

    1. Doha Guides Team

      Hi Janeffer, It is illegal for employers to keep employees’ passports. You can complain using any of the above methods.

  14. Hi, I have transferred my sponsor from my prevoius company to new company. I worked 2 and half months in this new company but bcoz of issues which i faced in this new company i decided to resign. My manager told me to change my sponsor within 1 month .Now i have found a new job and when i asked them for few documents to process transfer. They are refusing to give me any documents. What should i do now plz help me.

  15. Hi sir before I worked with Redco international thy will not pay my salary please help me to solve this issue

  16. Hi,
    I have joined in a company in June 2021 and I have transferred to their sponsor and It’s been 5 months since I have joined here. My company is not paying the salary on time and it seems the situation is getting worst. If i wish to change the sponsor, is it possible. And if you have any further suggestions for the said context please let me know and it would be very helpful to me. I will be waiting for your reply.
    thanks and regards

    1. Doha Guides Team

      Hi Satha, Since there is 5 months salary pending, you can complain to Ministry using any of the above methods.

  17. Mary grace villanueva

    Can u help me because i have quarell with my madam and she bring back my salary to 1460 that before is 1700 then she did not give me day off also.and then i tell her to buy my ticket because i want to go back to philippines but until now she did not buy.and i tell also about my gratuity because im 4 years stay her on february and my madam said that is not put in the contract.

    1. I have complain regarding about my situation, i already finish my contract last june then i ask my madam if she allowed me to work outside,then she said okay no problem…but if someone hire u they need to pay 13k qr. for me…thats the reason why my new employer cannot get me until now…hope u answer my complain.

  18. I informed my Company I will resign because of changing company and I will submit my paper to the Ministry of Qatar for approval of transferring company, Ministry’s decision is not yet done but suddenly my company informed me to stopped my duty when I went to office they told me now I dont have work how I will live and what if they throw me out from the Villa. One month after giving my resignation they stopped my duty, I am 8yrs in company and 6 years working continuously. With due respect pls help and advice, my son is facing medical issue about his heart problem, even I need to be home I still chose to stay here in Qatar and transfer work. I have all my faith with God and trust the labor law in Qatar. More success to Qatar for all have equal rights.

  19. Sir I give an application regarding my company didn’t cancel my visa..still no response from my company side..plz help me sir.

    1. We have a friend kadama last month of March she finishes their contract and after that she talk to their employers that she not go home because nothing to earn money .she ask Noc and she make resignation letter signed by employer . nothing to claim plane tecket gratuity only Noc need. But the employer give n Noc and he collect 8000 reyal pay . And then submit to all paper in aldsa even the application is not yet approved my friend was transferred to a new employer bringing the agreement that the 8000 reyal paid the new employer is dedacted their salary every month.
      On the month pa may this the time that she have a schedule for vacinenation on April 30 Friday .in the next day the employer told to my friend that she have a duty .but my friend is refusing because of body pain cos of vaccine
      The employer was anggry and tell o don’t want you to work my companies go out of my accommodation if not out o give you penalty every day . Of you go o file you runaway. Now my question is
      My friend is an commenting case even have a paper signing by the employer

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