Questions regarding Qatar labour law

Thank you for your reply, the law has been amended.

Law No.1 of 2015 Article (2)

Provisions of Article (66) shall be amended to read as follows:

[iii]Article (66)

“Employer shall transfer the Salary to the worker’s account at a financial institution in the State such that payment is made at the prescribed time according to the provisions of the two paragraphs above. The Employer shall not be deemed to have paid the Salary to the Worker, except in the previous manner.

*This is the difference. The Wage Protection System Law does not give the employer an option and you read that there are mandatory penalties.

Article (3)

Article (145 bis) shall be added to the said Labour Law and shall read as follows:

“Article (145 bis) “A sentence of not more than a month in prison and a fine of not less than QR2,000 and not more than QR6,000, or either of these penalties, shall be imposed on any person violating the provisions of Article (66) herein.”

Thank you for your reply.

The above was for the purpose of understanding. The law states employer shall transfer the Salary to the worker’s account at a financial institution and not specifically the bank.

There are several types of financial institutions, such as banks, credit unions, brokerage companies, insurance companies and trust companies — all of which have different primary functions and assist with the transferring of funds from investors to companies in need of funds.

Thank you for your information and kindly note that only the wording is changed but the intention of the law is the same. For the purpose of explaining to non-lawyers.

The 2004 Article 66 of the law provides: The employer shall not be relieved from his obligation to pay the wage due to the worker unless he has actually transferred it to the bank or the worker or his attorney has signed or signed for it .

However, there was a serious flaw in the original that called for amendment in Law No.1 of 2015. One flaw was [or he signed for it was proof]. That signing allowed for signing under fear, threat or duress. The new law does not allow for the mere signing. The new law makes it mandatory for bank transfer.

Does this mean the employer can not use a Cash/Cheque Voucher Waiver receipt as proof of payment? Do you agree?

The new amendment does not specify banks but financial institutions. Proof of payment should be based upon the aforesaid.

Also, any transaction made prior to the amended law has some exceptions. However, the sole discretion lies with the competent authority and the Court.