HR Software for Qatar
Leave Policy
Maternity Leave
Employees who have worked continuously for 12 months are entitled to 50 days of paid vacation. The remaining days can be divided into two periods. The employee receives 100% of his salary during this period and the employer is responsible for this compensation.
You can use the leave module in IceHrm to manage maternity leave in Qatar.
Paternity Leave
There is currently no statutory paternity leave.
Sick Leave
Employees are entitled to up to 6 weeks of paid sick leave. Depending on the duration, this vacation is paid at different rates and by different payers:
| Period | Pay | Payer |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – 14 days | 100% | Employer |
| 14 – 42 days | 50% of base salary | Employer |
Pay & Tax
Minimum Wage Requirements
In Qatar, the monthly minimum wage is divided into three categories:
- Basic Salary – QAR 1,000/- per month
- Meal allowance – 300/- QAR per month
- Housing Allowance – QAR 500/- monthly
Individual Income Tax
There is no income tax in Qatar.
Payroll Cost
The monthly employer costs depend on the nationality of the employee and the health insurance category chosen.
| Cost Type | Conditions and Amount |
|---|---|
| Workmen Compensation insurance | 350.0000 QAR billed annually |
| GRISA – Social Security (Qatar/GSC National only) | 14% of basic salary and housing benefit |
| Health Insurance | QAR 3,330 to SAR QAR 5,150 |
Overtime Pay & Maximum Hours
Pay for overtime is mandatory. Hours worked outside of normal working hours are considered overtime. Employees receive compensation for additional hours:
- 125% of the hourly rate
- 150% of the hourly rate for public holidays
Termination
Termination Requirements
Cancellations in Qatar can be complicated. In Qatar, employers cannot terminate at their own discretion outside of the probationary period and the termination must be for a valid reason.
Compliant terminations are:
- Voluntary by the employee
- By mutual agreement
- Unilaterally by the employer due to:
1. Probationary period
2. Objective reasons
3. Disciplinary dismissal
4. Performance due to unsuitability for the position When the contract expires
Notice Period
The minimum notice period is 30 days and increases depending on the length of employment.
- 30 days if the length of service is less than 5 years
- 60 days if you have been with the company for more than 5 years
During the probationary period, the notice period is 3 days.
Severance for Employees
In Qatar, all employees who are laid off are entitled to severance pay. The severance payment depends on the length of service as follows:
- 3 weeks salary per year of service up to 5 years of service
- 4 weeks salary per year of service up to 10 years of service
- 5 weeks salary per year of service for more than 10 years of service
Statutory Time Off
Paid Time Off
Both full-time and part-time employees are entitled to 16 workdays of paid time off (PTO) per year. PTO accrues monthly at 1.33 days per month. Employees are entitled to annual leave after 12 months of work.
Public Holidays
Qatar celebrates 4 national holidays that last 8 days.
National holidays include:
- National Sports Day – 1 day
- Eid Al Adha – 3 days
- Eid Al Fitr – 3 days
- National Day – 1 day
Onboarding
Onboarding
The onboarding schedule depends on whether the employee requires a visa and what type of visa they are applying for:
- Qatari Nationals and GSC: 15-20 working days after signing the MSA and paying the deposit
- Visa in the country (visa transfer, with NOC): 20 working days after signing the MSA and paying the deposit
- Out-of-country visa: 60-120 business days after signing the MSA and depositing the deposit
Additional Info
Employment Contract Details
The contracts are written in English. They must be in writing and signed by both parties.
A contract must contain:
- Surname
- Start date
- Length of employment
- Job Description
- Termination conditions
Probation Period
The minimum duration of the probationary period is 30 days and the maximum duration of the probationary period is 180 days.