Maternity and Paternity Leave in Qatar
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Qatari national laws, Emiri decrees, and ministerial decisions. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Qatar law provides maternity leave for working mothers:
- Maternity leave: 50 days of paid leave, which can start up to 15 days before the expected delivery date.
- You must have completed one year of continuous service to receive full pay during maternity leave. With less than one year, maternity leave is unpaid.
- Nursing breaks: After returning to work, mothers are entitled to one hour per day for nursing for one year after delivery. This counts as paid working time.
- Dismissal protection: An employer cannot terminate a woman because of pregnancy or during maternity leave.
- Paternity leave: There is no statutory paternity leave under the Labour Law, though government sector employees and some private employers provide it as a benefit.
Delivery and postnatal care are available through Hamad Medical Corporation facilities, including the Women's Wellness and Research Center, and are covered under mandatory health insurance.
When does it apply?
- You are a female employee working in Qatar and are pregnant or have recently given birth.
- You need time off for prenatal or postnatal care.
- You have been dismissed or threatened with dismissal due to pregnancy.
What to Do If Your Qatar Employer Denies Your Maternity or Paternity Leave
- Notify your employer of your pregnancy and expected delivery date as early as possible.
- Provide a medical certificate from your healthcare provider confirming the pregnancy and expected delivery date.
- If your employer refuses maternity leave or terminates you, file a complaint with the Ministry of Labour (16008) — the Workers' Dispute Resolution Committee handles these cases on a fast-track basis.
- Request your nursing hour schedule in writing after you return to work.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not resign under pressure. If your employer pushes you to quit because of pregnancy, this is unlawful termination and you can seek compensation.
- Do not accept unpaid maternity leave if you have completed one year of service. You are entitled to full pay for 50 days.
- Do not skip medical documentation. A doctor's certificate protects your rights if a dispute arises.
Common Questions
When does it apply — maternity and paternity leave?
You are a female employee working in Qatar and are pregnant or have recently given birth.You need time off for prenatal or postnatal care.You have been dismissed or threatened with dismissal due to pregnancy.
What should I do if my employer in Qatar refuses to grant me maternity or paternity leave?
Notify your employer of your pregnancy and expected delivery date as early as possible.Provide a medical certificate from your healthcare provider confirming the pregnancy and expected delivery date.If your employer refuses maternity leave or terminates you, file a complaint with the Ministry of Labour (16008) — the Workers' Dispute Resolution Committee handles these cases on a fast-track basis.Request your nursing hour schedule in writing after you return to work.
What should you NOT do — maternity and paternity leave?
Do not resign under pressure. If your employer pushes you to quit because of pregnancy, this is unlawful termination and you can seek compensation.Do not accept unpaid maternity leave if you have completed one year of service. You are entitled to full pay for 50 days.Do not skip medical documentation. A doctor's certificate protects your rights if a dispute arises.