Qatar has introduced a significant initiative to enhance job opportunities for its citizens and increase their involvement in the private sector. This initiative, driven by the newly promulgated Law No. (12) of 2024, is designed to boost the participation of Qatari nationals in the workforce and improve their employment outcomes.
Key Objectives of the Nationalisation Law
The Ministry of Labour is leading this effort with a vision aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030, focusing on human development. The law aims to:
- Enhance Labour Market Attractiveness: Make the job market more appealing to Qatari citizens.
- Increase Company Integration: Help companies better integrate and attract Qatari workers.
- Encourage Private Sector Participation: Promote Qatari involvement in private businesses.
- Ensure Job Stability: Provide stable employment opportunities for nationals.
- Develop Professional Skills: Improve the skill set of the national workforce.
- Meet Labour Market Demands: Address the need for qualified personnel in the private sector.
- Incentivise Private Sector Companies: Encourage companies to hire more Qatari workers.
Entities Subject to Nationalisation
The new law applies to various types of entities, including:
- Private establishments managed by individuals.
- Commercial companies, whether state-owned, state-participated, or privately owned.
- Private non-profit institutions, sports entities, and associations.
Implementation and Support Measures
The Ministry of Labour will create a detailed nationalisation plan based on entity size, workforce composition, and job types. This plan will include:
- Training and Employment: Policies for training, job placement, and qualification.
- University Scholarships: Programs to support higher education for Qatari citizens and their children.
- Incentives and Benefits: Financial incentives and privileges for entities participating in the nationalisation scheme.
Key Provisions of the Law
The law includes several crucial provisions:
- Financial Incentives: Benefits for Qatari citizens and the children of Qatari women.
- Standardised Employment Contracts: Mandatory contract templates to ensure job security.
- Training Programs: Support for developing the skills of Qatari workers and preparing them for private sector roles.
- Coordination with Authorities: The Ministry will collaborate with relevant bodies to sponsor university education and provide necessary incentives.
Role of the Ministry of Labour
The Ministry will oversee the implementation of the nationalisation law, focusing on:
- Training and Development: Collaborating with the private sector to enhance skills and readiness for the labour market.
- Monitoring Compliance: Ensuring that companies adhere to nationalisation policies and support the increased participation of Qatari citizens.
This new law represents a strategic effort to transform Qatar’s labour market, enhance the role of its national workforce, and achieve broader economic goals.
