Working Hours & Overtime Rights in Qatar (2026 Legal Guide) — Rules & Requirements

Researched by Ahmed R. J. Alsaedi, Founder & Head Researcher

Primary sources cited; not legal advice.

Source: Law No. 14 of 2004 (Labour Law), Articles 73-74

About this article

Sourced from Omani royal decrees, ministerial decisions, and the Basic Statute of the State. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards

Omani National Law

What is this right?

Qatar's Labour Law sets clear limits on working hours:

Maximum 8 hours per day or 48 hours per week.
During Ramadan, working hours are reduced to 6 hours per day (36 per week) for all workers.
OvertimeUnder the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, non-exempt employees must be paid at least 1.5× their regular hourly rate for hours worked beyond 40 in a workweek. State laws can require more generous overtime rules. pay is at least basic wage plus 25% for extra hours.
Night work between 9 PM and 6 AM earns a premium of basic wage plus 50%.
Workers must get a rest break after 5 consecutive hours. Breaks are not counted as working time.
Every worker is entitled to at least one rest day per week, usually Friday.

These limits apply to workers under the Labour Law. Workers in the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) are governed by the QFC Employment Regulations, which have their own provisions on hours and overtimeUnder the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, non-exempt employees must be paid at least 1.5× their regular hourly rate for hours worked beyond 40 in a workweek. State laws can require more generous overtime rules..

When does it apply?

You are employed under a contract governed by the Qatar Labour Law.
You are asked to work more than 8 hours in a day or 48 hours in a week.
You work during Ramadan and your employer has not reduced your hours.

What to Do If Your Qatar Employer Refuses to Pay Overtime

Track your own working hours in addition to any employer records.
If you are not receiving overtimeUnder the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, non-exempt employees must be paid at least 1.5× their regular hourly rate for hours worked beyond 40 in a workweek. State laws can require more generous overtime rules. pay, raise the issue with your employer in writing.
File a complaint with the Ministry of Labour (16008) if your employer refuses to pay overtimeUnder the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, non-exempt employees must be paid at least 1.5× their regular hourly rate for hours worked beyond 40 in a workweek. State laws can require more generous overtime rules..
The Workers' Dispute Resolution Committees can order overtimeUnder the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, non-exempt employees must be paid at least 1.5× their regular hourly rate for hours worked beyond 40 in a workweek. State laws can require more generous overtime rules. payment within three weeks if the employer does not comply.

What should you NOT do?

Do not agree to waive overtimeUnder the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, non-exempt employees must be paid at least 1.5× their regular hourly rate for hours worked beyond 40 in a workweek. State laws can require more generous overtime rules. pay in your contract. Any clause that removes your right to overtimeUnder the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, non-exempt employees must be paid at least 1.5× their regular hourly rate for hours worked beyond 40 in a workweek. State laws can require more generous overtime rules. is void under Qatar law.
Do not confuse allowances with overtimeUnder the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, non-exempt employees must be paid at least 1.5× their regular hourly rate for hours worked beyond 40 in a workweek. State laws can require more generous overtime rules. pay. OvertimeUnder the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, non-exempt employees must be paid at least 1.5× their regular hourly rate for hours worked beyond 40 in a workweek. State laws can require more generous overtime rules. must be calculated on your basic wage, not on allowances.
Do not assume salaried workers have no overtimeUnder the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, non-exempt employees must be paid at least 1.5× their regular hourly rate for hours worked beyond 40 in a workweek. State laws can require more generous overtime rules. rights. The law applies to most employees regardless of pay structure.

About Workers' Rights in Oman

Your job in Qatar is covered by Law No. 14 of 2004 (Labour Law). Wages must be paid through the Wage Protection System within 7 days of the pay period. Standard hours are 8 a day, 48 a week, dropping to 6 during Ramadan. End-of-service gratuity is 3 weeks' basic pay per year. Since Law No. 13 of 2018 and Law No. 17 of 2020, you can change jobs without an NOC and earn the QAR 1,000 universal minimum wage. Disputes go to the Workers' Dispute Resolution Committees within 3 weeks. QFC employers run a separate regime.

Common Questions

What is the working hours and overtime right in Oman?

Qatar's Labour Law sets clear limits on working hours:Maximum 8 hours per day or 48 hours per week.During Ramadan, working hours are reduced to 6 hours per day (36 per week) for all workers.Overtime pay is at least basic wage plus 25% for extra hours.Night work between 9 PM and 6 AM earns a premium of basic wage plus 50%.Workers must get a rest break after 5 consecutive hours. Breaks are not counted as working time.Every worker is entitled to at least one rest day per week, usually Friday.These limits apply to workers under the Labour Law. Workers in the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) are govern...

When does it apply — working hours and overtime?

You are employed under a contract governed by the Qatar Labour Law.You are asked to work more than 8 hours in a day or 48 hours in a week.You work during Ramadan and your employer has not reduced your hours.

What should I do if my employer in Qatar is not paying me overtime or making me work excessive hours?

Track your own working hours in addition to any employer records.If you are not receiving overtime pay, raise the issue with your employer in writing.File a complaint with the Ministry of Labour (16008) if your employer refuses to pay overtime.The Workers' Dispute Resolution Committees can order overtime payment within three weeks if the employer does not comply.

What should you NOT do — working hours and overtime?

Do not agree to waive overtime pay in your contract. Any clause that removes your right to overtime is void under Qatar law.Do not confuse allowances with overtime pay. Overtime must be calculated on your basic wage, not on allowances.Do not assume salaried workers have no overtime rights. The law applies to most employees regardless of pay structure.

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