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?
- How To File A Labour Complaint Against Employer
- How to A Submit Labour Complaint to NHRC
- How To Check The Status Of A Labour Complaint?
- Labour Dispute Settlement Committees
- How The Labour Dispute Resolution System Works
- Workers' Support and Insurance Fund
- Changing Employer After Labour Complaint
- FAQ on Labour Complaints in Qatar
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:
- Go to Ministry of Labour Complaints and Whistleblower Portal
- Click on “Submit A Complaint (Login As Individual)”
- On the next page, you can log in using your QID / Visa Number + Mobile Number
- Click on “Request OTP”
- Enter the OTP you received on your mobile and proceed as instructed
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:
- Open your phone’s text message (SMS) option
- Type 5 then Qatar ID Number or Visa Number
- Send the SMS to 92727
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:
- Download and Install the “Amerni Qatar” app from Google Play Store or Apple App Store
- Log in using your Tawtheeq (NAS) account
- Complete the initial setup (Read the Amerni Mobile App User Guide)
- On the home page, click on the “Submit Labour Complaint” icon
- Select the language and enter the complaint details
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.
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:
- Go to the Complaints Page on the Ministry of Labour Website.
- Choose the type as “Suggestion” or “Query”.
- Enter your name, e-mail, phone number and Qatar ID number.
- Provide the details of your complaint in description box.
- Click on “Submit”.
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
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 Hotline | 8002222 |
| 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
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.
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.
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.
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:
- How To Calculate End of Service Gratuity
- Qatar Labour Law: Important Points To Know
- Search and Follow-up on Metrash App
- Minimum Wage in Qatar: Everything You Need To Know
- Wage Protection System WPS Qatar
- Qatar Freelance Visa: Important Things To Know
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Images Courtesy: Ministry of Labour
Can we withdraw a complaint we send through unified platform
Hi Shanavas, According to the Ministry of Labour Website, the complainant can delete the complaint before filing it when it is in a draft form. It cannot be deleted after it has been submitted.
Assalaam alaykum. Thank you for your services.
Kindly advise;
We joined a delivery company here in qatar, for 8 months now, our employer has not paid our salaries nor allowances. He went further to force us into signing blank cheques now worth 15,000 Qr as guarantee and confiscated our cheque books. He’s now threatening us with polices cases of runaway and failure to pay his debts. We filed complaints and the ministry of labour but no positive action so far. Our situation gets worse day by day. Kindly advise.
Thank you.
Hi Yusuf, Sorry to hear that. Contacting Labour Department is the correct step. You can also try contacting your country’s Embassy in Qatar. Normally they will be helpful in such cases.
Sir my name is Saravanakumar rasu I came here with a driver visa last year July but my company not giving me a I’d noc even I paid money to them 3000 qatari riyal now they are telling me to go back India ,but seriously I don’t want to go back because I don’t have money my family situation not good ,my company computer card expired and company I’d blocked please help me with in this sir , seriously I don’t know what I’m going to do .
Hi Saravanakumar, Please contact Indian Embassy labour helpline.
As per the contract my probation ends within 180.
So I have been terminated for which I need to be entitled to annual leave pay the balance, also basic for the notice period.
I have completed my 181 days in the company & have not received any dues.
I was forced to sign the termination contract since I’m new in the country along with others.
We come here for our family to earn a living but people misuse our backgrounds & play with our feelings.
Alhamdulilah Qatar is a good country & I know you won’t let us down but support us in our hard times In shaa Allah
Could you please help me out thank you.
You can contact me on +97430153162.
Thank & Regards
Suaid
Hi Suaid, If you have pending salary you can file a complaint with Labour Department. Or else please check if your country’s Embassy in Qatar has a labour support department.
Assalamu alaikum wr,
Dear Management,
Everyone in Qatar is familiar to company talabat, well I’m working here as rider but this company treat us as trash not paying us salary on time and if they pay they don’t pay even full salary. They waste our time to call us to office again and again but when we reach office they escape from office.
They are not paying us basic salary as by contract.
They just fill their pockets not even thinking the rider situation.
Is there any solution i want to leave this company but they threaten us many time to send us to home and we have to pay 3000 to 4000 to company.
They deposit our passport also and not allowing us to work outside.
Hi Umair, If you have a complaint you can use the Ministry of Labour’s Unified Platform for Complaints: https://www.mol.gov.qa/En/Services/Pages/ServiceDetails.aspx?itemid=7
Dear Doha Guides Team
I am working one of construction company more than 5 year but I gave resignation latter to my General Manager with 3 month notice period but he is not accepting he is telling he need 1 year notice period I already send my latter over the email. what I can do now Please tell me what procedure I want to do
Thanks
Hi Ahamed, As per the labour law the maximum notice period is 1-3 months. If you have a screenshot of the resignation, you can use that to apply for a change of employer through the ADLSA online system. If your employer raises any objection to that you can file a labour complaint.
Assalamu Allaikum WrWb,
I filed a case for unpaid salaries in labour dispute committee in year-2014. After coninues follow up, the court given a verdict in year 2014 that my employer shall pay all my dues.
During my last follow up visit to the labour dispute committee in November 2022, I was requested to submit the following documements.
• Labor dispute committee decision.
• A copy of the execution.
• Court of appeal’s orginal certficate of non-appeal along with few personal documents.
I did submit all above requested documents to the dispute committee very next day, and I was told that I will be contacted by Workers Support and Insurance Fund. However, I haven’t received any calls as yet.
Its been almost 8 years now, I am standing up for my rights, and till this date I did not receive my compensations!
I am not sure whether I am missing any other important procedures or steps to follow. Appreacite your guidance if any.
BarakAllahu Feekum
Hi Shaul, 8-year delay is very rare in labour dispute cases. Since your last follow-up was 2 months back, may you be you should follow up with the labour dispute committee again.
Good day!
I resigned during almost 5th month of my probationary period as I found a new employer with better opportunity. My current employer approved it and I rendered 3 weeks of notice period. Then they requested me to pay 2,200QAR for recruitment charges, which I paid because they said that they won’t release my documents if I won’t pay them. After paying them, they gave me Employment Certificate and they told me to come back after a week for NOC.
After a week, they told me that they will not issue NOC for me and they didn’t give any valid reasons why. Noting that I gave them NOC during my hiring period to them. Is it legal for them not to issue NOC for me? Even though I am a local hire and provided NOC to them.
Hi Jan Dennis Galit, As per the law employer is not obliged to give NOC to employees. Anyways, you can apply for a change of employer even without NOC. If the old employer doesn’t raise any objection, your request will be approved. Please discuss this with your new employer’s PRO.
HI,
This is Safeer Ahmad, I submitted my annual leave form 40 days ago for 8th of January 2023 after 16 month . But company is still not giving me leave after 16 month continue work in Qatar.
As per our agreement, I have one month leave in a year.
How I can get help to get leave on earlier.
Regards
Hi Safeer, You can make a complaint with the Ministry using any of the above methods.
Hi,Good evening.I want to ask regarding my situation in my present employer.I just transferred there and currently working for 5 months under probationary period.In my 2 months there,I have encountered mistakes because I don’t have a proper training and now they wanted me to pay for it and deduct from salary every month.I want to know,what is the best thing I can do
Hi Jane, Please call the Qatar Government Helpline at +974-4406 9999 to confirm the profession’s eligibility.
Hi Jane, It would depend on what was the mistake and how much they are deducting. If you want to proceed with an official complaint, you can contact the Ministry of Labour through any of the above means. Please note that sometimes it may take some time to get a decision from Ministry.
My name is imran Rizvan 7.year 3 months working in Alali engineering company settlement note give me plz help
Hi Rizvan, You have to file a labour complaint using any of the above methods.
Hello good evening sir /madam, im saida approaching you about my problem regarding my sponsor.. they hold my passport and my ID.. i am a nanny of special child and i ask my sponsor to increase my salary because i told them is not easy or a joke of taking care a special need.. and they refused and say they call the police and tell the police that i dont want to work which is not true only i want is my salary increase. I aak them to increase my salary because they dont give me anything or buy anything i need like personal needs. Do i have the right to change or find another sponsor? They say they will block me to all countries so that i will no longer work somewhere. Please help me as soon as possible sir /madam..
Hi Saida, Sorry to hear about your situation. You can complain to the Ministry of Labour using any of the above methods.
Hello,My name is Mandeep Huda I have Joined my previous company on 10th september,2021 & I took local transfer through Adsla to new company & my last date of working with my previous employer is 7th September,2022 which means i worked 362 days and i have 2 pending off & 5 pending PH but my company is neither paying me my annual leave money and nor gratuity as they are saying i am lacking with 3 days.
Please help🙏
Hi Mandeep, Sorry to hear that. We are not sure if your case will be accepted as the law says 365 days of employment. Normally joining date and leaving date are considered. Anyways, you can contact the Ministry of Labour to file a complaint.
Hello team,
Kindly note that I have resigned from my previous employer and upon successful cancelation of my QID I have exited the country. During my resignation period an unauthorized visa is issued from [email protected] without my consent while I was already holding a valid QID. It is really ridiculous and negligence that when I’m already holding a company visa during my stay with my company a new visa was issued with my existing one. I had Hayya card applied and cancelled during that time of stay as well. Now I got a new job, the new employer is trying to apply a new visa for me. But this unauthorized visa from your end had impacted me to such an extent that my career is also impacted. You could see that this visa is issued from the supreme committee for delivery and legacy and they not at all excepting it. It is surely the committee fault and they are not excepting. Do not take this email lightly. It’s a matter of great concern, cause I might loose my job and ruin my career, just because of one mistake from your end.
This visa is issued from you, from your end.
It’s almost a month now I’m chasing for this. Please except it that this visa is yours despite hayya card being cancelled. Again do not say that your ” OH! Your QID is cancelled and contact your previous employer OR Hayya is cancelled you may Reapply for a new one.”
Just Cancel the Visa Application number: xxxxx which is a copy attached to this email and do not just blindly read this email, check that visa. It is issued from your end. Accept it that it’s your.
All I request you to kindly check the attached documents and you will come to know how to get me out from this mess. Kindly help me in canceling this unauthorized visa.
Please cancel the Visa Application number: xxxxx
Kindly contact the below numbers:
xxxxx
xxxxx
Regards,
Namrata Masih
Hi Namrata, We are not affiliated with any government agency. You can contact the Qatar Government Helpline at +974-44069999 or [email protected]. We have removed your personal details to protect your privacy.
Hi. I am currently rendering my 30 days notice period. I worked in this company for 4 years and 4 months. This company refused to pay my gratuity for a reason that I didn’t render 2 months notice period. Is it legal?
Hi Sean, If you have worked for more than 2 years, the notice period should be 2 months. As per the law, if you didn’t serve the notice period, you should compensate the basic salary for the period you are missing. In your case, you should pay them 1 month’s basic salary. They cannot deduct the full gratuity from you. You can file a labour complaint.
Hi my name is lila dhar kafle. I am from nepal. i work qatar 4 year but my boss not give my 6 month salary. I case labour court but no response what can I do? Plz help 🙏
Hi Liladhar, You can file a complaint using any of the above methods. Unfortunately, Labour Court will take some time.
Hello Sir/madam.My name is Susan wanjiru kariuki Kenyan nationality am working as a house maid in Doha .I came on November 4th.i haven’t received my salary yet even after enquiry.am being locked throughout in the house and my madam has taken hold of my passport…I am sleeping under very accomodation .. without even ventilation.i have also some deeper problem which is making work under insecurities…I need urgent help pliz
Hi Susan, Sorry to hear that. If you need urgent help, it is better to contact the Kenyan Embassy at +974-44931870.
Hi my name is Alphonce Dabey and i just wanted to know is my employer allowed to deduct money from my salary after i resign and finished the resignation period and refuse to pay my accrued leave days because i havent finished 1 year in Qatar?
Hi Alphonce, No your employer cannot deduct salary after resignation.
Asslamoalaikum sir my name is imtiaz i am from pakistan i am in qatar now on new work visa the problm is that my previous company not canceling my id so my new id is not making what should i do should i go to labour court?i request to previous company to cancel my id but they are not cancelling
I change employer Medgulf Contruction Company to Darwise Intersarve facilitie Management. Before Company stop 2 month salary.I’m already 3 time Complaint through adlsa but all time cas close massage coming please sussed me what I do ?
Hi I am Lander Valmonte . I wish to change my employer but my current employer wont sign my resignation . What action will I do to that ? Thankyou in advance
Hi Lander, Send your resignation by email to your company’s official id. Take a screenshot of the email (with the date and address). You can attach that with your application.
Hi,am a security hv worked for 1yr and 2months for sometime I have not been feeling well,but they have not provided me with a healthy card making it impossible for me to access treatment,what can I do??
Hi Evanson, Your company is supposed to help you with your health card. Please request your company once again. If not you can file a complaint with Labour.