Non-Discrimination and Forced Labour Protections
Written in plain language for general understanding. This is educational content, not legal advice. Based on Qatari national laws, Emiri decrees, and ministerial decisions.
Qatari National Law
What is this right?
Qatar law prohibits forced labour and provides protections against certain forms of workplace discrimination:
- Forced labour is a crime. Law No. 15 of 2011 punishes human trafficking with up to 15 years in prison.
- Passport confiscation is illegal. Employers cannot take or hold your passport, national ID, or travel documents.
- Workers must receive equal pay for equal work regardless of nationality (Article 66 of the Labour Law).
- The Constitution (Article 35) guarantees equality before the law without discrimination based on sex, race, language, or religion.
- Contract substitution (changing contract terms after arrival) is prohibited.
Qatar has established the National Committee for Combating Human Trafficking and a shelter for victims of trafficking.
When does it apply?
- Your employer is holding your passport or other personal documents.
- You were promised different working conditions than what you received.
- You are being paid less than colleagues doing the same work because of your nationality.
- You believe you are a victim of forced labour or human trafficking.
What should you do?
- Report passport confiscation to the Ministry of Labour hotline at 16008.
- Contact the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) at 44044810 for discrimination complaints.
- If you are a victim of trafficking, contact the Qatar Foundation for Social Work shelter or call 919 (emergency police).
- You can also reach out to your embassy or consulate for assistance.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not hand over your passport voluntarily. Even if your employer asks to "keep it safe," you have the right to hold it yourself.
- Do not sign a new contract that has worse terms than what you agreed to in your home country without seeking advice first.
- Do not stay silent. There are multiple organizations that can help, including your embassy and the NHRC.
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