Many labourers and workers in Qatar now worry about their jobs and contracts as companies shutdown due to the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.

To address health and work-related issues, the Ministry of Administrative Development Labor & Social Affairs, have released guidelines for workers in the country.

Therefore, if you are working in Qatar and you have queries like, 'What should I do if I am sick? Will I still be paid while I am in isolation, quarantine or undergoing treatment?"

The following are the guidelines published by the ministry on social media:

What should I do if I have a fever or other symptoms?

If you show symptoms such as coughing, fever, or difficulty of breathing, you should stay away from others and immediately contact Qatar's COVID-19 hotline 16000. In case of emergency, you should request an ambulance by calling 999.

What should I do if I don't have a health card?

During the current crisis, the possession of a health card and/or QID is not necessary in order to be tested and/or receive treatment. These services are provided for free by the government.

When should I go into self-isolation?

You should go into self-isolation and call the COVID-19 hotline 16000 if you: 

• Show any symptoms of COVID-19, such as coughing, fever, or difficulty breathing 

• Have had contact with anyone who has tested positive with COVID-19, even if at the time of contact he or she was not showing any symptoms of the disease.
• Have returned recently from any country that has a wide spread of the disease

When I will be placed in isolation?

You can be placed in isolation by government authorities, while waiting for your test results, if it is believed that you may have COVID-19 (if you display any symptoms or have had contact with anyone who is infected with COVID-19).

What will happen if I test positive for COVID-19?

If you test positive for COVID-19, you will be quarantined in centers in the Mukainis area and provided all necessary medical care, food and lodging for free.

Who is responsible for arranging isolation or quarantine for workers in a shared residence?

A specialized medical team working under the supervision of the Supreme Committee for Crisis management under the Ministry of Public Health is responsible for arranging the treatment of workers' isolation and quarantine. The employer is not responsible for arranging the isolation or quarantine of workers.

If I don't have a valid QID, will I be able to receive treatment if needed?

All workers will receive all necessary treatment for free, and their status is not relevant.

Will I still be paid while I am in isolation, quarantine, or receiving treatment?

All workers in isolation, quarantine, or receiving treatment will still be paid basic salary and receive allowances irrespective of whether entitled to sick leave benefits.

If I am employed in sectors that have followed government instructions to cease services will I still receive my basic wage and other allowances such as food and accommodation?

Yes, you should still receive your basic salary and allowances from your employer.

Can workers contracts be terminated due to the crisis?

Employers have the right to terminate contracts. However, the termination of employment must be carried out in full compliance with the terms of the Labour Law and the contract, including the notice period and the payment of all pending entitlements including return ticket to home country.

Can I be requested by my employer to use annual leave or take unpaid leave to cover the period I am unable to work or due to the company offering reduced services?

It is important for all to collaborate through this period to minimize the damage for the benefit of both parties, taking into account the survival of the business and employment over the longer term.

Therefore, employers and workers may mutually agree that workers take unpaid leave or use their annual leave, if the business has been halted and the worker is not assigned any work. However, employers must continue to provide all other benefits, including accommodation and food.

If I am outside of the country and unable to return how will this affect my employment status?

The employer and the worker should discuss working conditions and benefits. You are entitled to refuse any adjustment to the contract. In case of termination of employment, this must be carried out in full compliance with the terms of the Labour Law and the contract, including the notice period and the payment of all pending entitlements.

Will my visa and QID be extended automatically if they expire during this period of reduced government services?

- To extend visas (or to check its status) follow this link on Ministry of Interior website

- To extend QIDs (or to check its status) please use the Metrash2 app. 

Please refer to the Ministry of Interior website for up to date information

Do these same conditions apply to domestic workers employed in a home?

All of the above information applies equally to domestic workers employed in homes.

If I have a complaint or problem about my employment or accommodation during this time what can I do?

You should contact the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs at 16008 or by email at info madlsa gov.ca.