This statement has also been certified by the Embassy of the State of Qatar in Sri Lanka. Hence, Qatar becomes the first country in the Middle East to set minimum wage criteria for migrant workers.

This minimum wage system applies to all migrant workers in Qatar, including employees working in institutions and domestic workers.

Legislation adopted last year provided a six-month transition period for employers to prepare for the new minimum thresholds. Evidently, Qatar’s non-discriminatory minimum wage comes into force, applying to all workers, of all nationalities, in all sectors, including domestic workers.

In addition to the minimum wage of 1000 Qatari riyals, accommodation and food facilities should be provided to the migrant workers and if such facilities are not provided, an additional payment of 300 Qatari riyals for food and 500 Qatari riyals for accommodation should be provided.

The International Labour Organization Project Office for the State of Qatar added that the implementation of the minimum wage would directly benefit 400,000 migrant workers in Qatar and increase the income of their families in their mother countries.

Moreover, migrant workers are no longer required to obtain an exit permit to leave the country, or a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to change jobs.