Qatar has been moving forward swiftly in terms of introducing new labour reforms and workers’ welfare programmes in recent months.

The exit permit system, which had been in place for many, many years, was taken off almost completely just two days ago.

And now, HH The Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has issued a new rule — Law No 17 of 2018 — establishing the Workers’ Support and Insurance Fund, reported Gulf Times.

HH the Amir issued Law No. 17 of 2018 establishing the Workers' Support and Insurance Fund. The fund aims to support, ensure and provide care for workers, guarantee their rights and provide a healthy and safe working environment for them.

— Qatar News Agency (@QNAEnglish) October 30, 2018

According to the new law, a fund under the name ‘Workers’ Support and Insurance Fund’ will be established. It will be a legal entity with an independent mandate and will come under the jurisdiction of the Cabinet, according to The Peninsula.

The fund has been launched with the aim of supporting, ensuring and providing care for workers, guaranteeing their rights and providing a healthy and safe working environment for them.

The law has come into effect and shall soon be published in the official gazette, reported Qatar Tribune.

The new fund will help pay workers benefits at the end of their tenure in the country. While disputes are usually settled by labour dispute settlement committees, the resolution may take a long time in coming. During this time, the worker may be unable to fulfil their obligations towards their families or third parties.

The fund will ensure rapid payment of financial benefits to workers at the end of their service and facilitate the worker’s return to his country. The fund will benefit both private sector employees as well as domestic workers.

The new fund will contact employers by legal means, recover amounts from them and disburse it to the employee.

The fund will also support workers by providing them with a safe and healthy work environment and housing. It will also help in the establishment of playgrounds, entertainment venues and social activities.

 

New law on non-Qatari ownership of real estate

HH The Amir also issued Law No 16 of 2018 regulating non-Qatari ownership and use of properties.

According to the new law, non-Qataris may own and use real estate in certain areas of the country and in accordance with conditions, controls and benefits specified by a decision by the Cabinet.

It will also be based on a suggestion of the committee for regulating non-Qatari ownership and use of real estate. 

The law is currently effective and will soon be published in the official gazette.