BLOG

Salary has always been a major issue for most workers. Majority of people live on monthly salaries. For some, they receive wages on a daily basis. But, what if your salary is unpaid or delayed? How to raise a complaint? Is there a fixed date for paying workers’ regular fees?

Qatar is an expat hub for people from across the world. The country employs the vast majority of its workers from abroad. This makes salaries from one nationality to another vary largely due to exchange rate differences.

The labour laws mandated by the State guarantee the rights and salaries of employees of all nationalities.

In case there is any dispute in the matter of salaries between the employee and the employer, the worker can complain to the Work Relations Department in the Ministry of Administrative Development Labor and Social Affairs (MADLSA). This is stated in the Qatar Labor Law, Article number 3 of 2014 Law.

What are the penalties for employers not paying workers’ salaries?

​Failure to comply with Article 66 of the Qatar Labour Law can incur the following penalties:

​▪️ Imprisonment of up to one month

▪️ A fine of 2,000 QAR and 6,000 QAR, or any of these two penalties.

▪️ Suspension of new work permits issuance

▪️ Suspension of all dealings with the Ministry (not including the authentication of any job contracts).

▪️ Banned to interact with the Ministry at any level (like visa change, work permits, and other services).

Note: A suspension can only be removed by the Minister or his designee, and only once an employer submits proof that unpaid workers’ salaries have been settled.

Is there a fixed date for paying workers' wages?

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

If an employer failed to comply with the above policy, here’s how you can find support from the local authorities:

Raise a complaint through the below channels, and the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour, and Social Affairs (MADLSA) will process it in due time.

​Is your company not paying you on time? A career shift can be your smart move. Find out more jobs in Qatar near you!

Impact of the COVID-19 Crisis on Wages

The Covid-19 pandemic has been devastating for expat workers in Qatar. Many labourers worry about their unpaid wages and salary deductions.

In an effort to reduce the social and economic crisis incurred by the nation and with the imposed restrictions due to efforts of combating the COVID-19 Pandemic, MADLSA released a statement addressed to employers and employees.

In the said statement, the Ministry said that businesses that were not required to stop due to COVID-19 measures in place, must pay their workers basic salaries and necessary allowances, such as food and accommodation. 

More job openings are waiting for you from the No. 1 outsourcing service in Qatar. Apply now!

Can workers' contracts be terminated due to the crisis?

Employers have the right to terminate contracts. However, the termination of employment must be carried out in full compliance with the terms of the Labour Law and the contract, including the notice period and the payment of all pending entitlements including return ticket to home country. 

Will workers employed in sectors that have followed government instructions to cease services still receive their basic wage and other allowances such as food and accommodation?

Yes, all workers should still receive their basic salary and allowances from their employer.

Is it legal to deduct the salary of employees during COVID-19 pandemic in Qatar?

Yes, it is legal or permitted during the pandemic to deduct the salary.

Can workers be requested to use annual leave or take unpaid leave to cover the period they are not able to work or due to the company offering reduced services?

It is important for all to collaborate through this period to minimize the damage for the benefit of both parties, taking into account the survival of the business and employment over the longer term.

MADLSA directs employers to discuss the situation with the employees and come to common terms that satisfy both of the parties; i.e. the employer and the employees. 

For example, the employees can take unpaid leave, or apply for the annual leave, or reduce the working hours, but in any case, the employer cannot stop the food and accommodation allowances or services provided for the employees.

Therefore, employers and workers may mutually agree that workers take unpaid leave or use their annual leave, if the business has been halted and the worker is not assigned any work. However, employers must continue to provide all other benefits, including accommodation and food.

How do I raise a complaint?

The Ministry of Administrative Development, Labor and Social Affairs (MADLSA) now makes it easier for you to file a complaint against your company through the Unified Platform for Work-Related Complaints and Disputes. For more information about this new portal, read this article: How to Use Qatar's New Portal to File a Complaint Against an Employer

▪️ To raise a complaint online, fill out this form: https://www.adlsa.gov.qa/en/site/contact/complaints-and-suggestions

​▪️ Download the application “Amerni” and fill out the appropriate forms.

▪️ Submit a labor complaint to MADLSA. An SMS can be sent to 92727, which is supported 24/7 in many languages. The complainant just has to type 5 then the Qatar ID number or Visa number and then send the message. 

▪️ Contact MADLSA hotline number: 16008 to address your concern. You may also send an email to complain in detail if needed via info@adlsa.gov.qa.

▪️ For raising complaints in-person, visit the MADLSA office, either in Al-Shahaniya or Industrial Area, on Sunday-Thursday from 7:30AM-12:30PM.

How do I check the status of my complaint?

▪️ Type your credentials in this page to check on your complaints’ status: https://e.adlsa.gov.qa/LaborComplaint/Default.aspx

​I have other questions that were not answered here, who do I call?

Call MADLSA’s hotline 16008.

What is the Wage Protection System (WPS)?

Developed by the Qatar Central Bank, the WPS ensures that workers in Qatar receive their salaries through an electronic salary transfer system. It allows companies and institutions to pay employees via authorized banks.

It allows MADLSA to maintain a database that records wage payments in the private sector, and guarantees no delay in salary release.

Find more job opportunities in Doha now hiring near you. 

​Have you experienced a delay or false hope in your regular paycheck? What have you done to cope with the situation? Share your thoughts in the comments. 

Decided to shift your career? Submit your CV today and your dream job with B2C Solutions, the most trusted Recruitment Agency in Qatar.