The labour ministry’s ban on a company violating the Wage Protection System (WPS) rules in Qatar will no longer be extended to other enterprises affiliated to that company. 

Only the violating company would face the ban, Hassan Al Obaidly, the Assistant Undersecretary for Labour Affairs at the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs (ADLSA), told Qatar Chamber officials in a meeting held in Doha on Wednesday.

The meeting, presided over by QC Chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim Al Thani, discussed several topics, including the recently-issued laws setting minimum wage and simplified the process for changing employers.

Challenges facing the private sector were also discussed at the meeting, which was attended by QC Director-General Saleh bin Hamad Al Sharqi.

Addressing the meeting, Sheikh Khalifa underscored the importance of enhancing cooperation between QC and ADLSA to eliminate the obstacles being faced by the private sector in the country

Obaidly said the ministry was keen on supporting business owners and the private sector as well as protecting the interests of labourers.

He praised the cooperation of the joint committee between the Chamber and the Ministry.

Obaidly outlined the details of the latest amendments to the labour reform laws, abolished the requirement that workers obtain a "no objection" certificate from their employer to change jobs.

They require all workers, including domestic staff, be paid at least QR1,000 a month. Employers are also required to either provide bed and board or an additional QR800 a month allowance for food and accommodation.

Obaidly said these reforms were aimed at improving the conditions of labourers working in Qatar.

“The State of Qatar has been highly praised by many countries and international organisations after issuing these laws and amendments,” he said.

Obaidly pointed out that an agreement has been reached to form a joint committee between the Chamber and the ministry to discuss recruitment requests and other issues such as ban and any other obstacles facing the private sector.