The dreaded Kafala (sponsorship) system, which used to send a shiver down workers’ spines in Qatar, has ended.

A new Labour Law regulating the entry, exit and residency of expatriate workers has come into effect, starting today.

Law No. 21 of 2015 replaces the Kafala system with a modernised contract-based system that provides greater flexibility, freedom and protection to all workers in Qatar.

Under new rules, expatriate workers will no longer need ‘No-objection certificates’ from their employers to change jobs if they complete the fixed-term job contracts, reported Qatar Tribune. Those with open-ended contracts can change jobs without permission from their existing employers after putting in five years of service.

However, moving to a new job requires approval from the Ministry of Administrative Development Labour and Social Affairs, and the new job must be in the same field.

Expats can permanently leave the country before or after completing the contract, provided they notify the employer in advance.

In case the employer rejects a leave request, workers can appeal to the Exit Permit Grievances Committee, which will respond within three days.

“Qatar is grateful to the millions of workers who’ve come to build our nation's infrastructure. The new law is the latest step towards improving and protecting the rights of every expat worker in the country,” said Minister of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs HE Dr Issa bin Saad Al Jafali Al Nuaimi.

“We welcome any comment or constructive criticism, and will continue to do so in the future. However, we urge the international community not to draw any definitive conclusions until there has been time to see the new law in action,” he added.