The Ministry of Administrative Development, Labor and Social Affairs (MADLSA) said on Sunday that the summer work restrictions, for labourers working in open areas, will begin on June 15 and will continue until August 31.

Beginning June 15, work in open areas will be banned between 11:30am and 3pm every day, reported Qatar Tribune.

“The decision fixes the working hours for works done under the sun or open workplaces. The decision stipulates that working in such places must be banned after 11:30am, while evening working hours must start at 3pm,” MADLSA said in a statement.

Employers should set a working hours timetable in accordance with the decision and the timetable should be placed in a visible place where all workers can see and labour inspectors can easily notice during their inspection visits, said Gulf Times.

The Ministry has warned that any company found flouting the decree will be closed for a period of at least one month. Inspectors will conduct surprise field visits to working sites to ensure compliance with the new decision, reported The Peninsula.

The announcement, which comes close on the heels of the Ministry reducing working hours for private sector companies during Ramadan, is sure to bring some respite to low-income workers as well.

Photo Credit: Gulf Daily News.