Qatar was among the first Gulf states to pass a dedicated Domestic Workers Law (Law No.15 of 2017) — giving housemaids, cooks, drivers, nurses, and other domestic employees specific legal rights and protections. This guide explains every right workers have and every obligation employers must meet in 2026.
⚡ Quick Facts
| ⚖️ Legal Basis | Qatar Law No.15 of 2017 (Domestic Workers Law) |
| 👤 Who is Protected | All domestic workers in Qatar regardless of nationality |
| 📞 MADLSA Complaints | 16008 |
| 🆘 Worker Helpline | 900 (NHRC — National Human Rights Committee) |
| 🌐 Lodge Complaint Online | MADLSA Complaints Portal |
💰 Salary Rights
- ✅ Salary must be paid on time every month as per the employment contract
- ✅ Minimum salary for Filipino workers: QAR 1,460/month (set by Philippine government)
- ✅ Salary must be paid in Qatari Riyals
- ✅ Payment via WPS (Wage Protection System) — bank transfer preferred
- ✅ Employer cannot deduct salary for breakages or losses without legal basis
⏰ Working Hours & Rest
| Entitlement | Legal Minimum |
|---|---|
| Maximum working hours/day | 10 hours (including rest) |
| Weekly rest day | 1 full day per week |
| Daily rest | Adequate rest between shifts |
| Annual leave | 3 weeks (21 days) after 1 year |
| Sick leave | 30 days paid, 30 days unpaid |
🏠 Accommodation & Living Standards
- ✅ Employer must provide suitable, private accommodation
- ✅ Food or food allowance must be provided
- ✅ Worker must have access to clean water and sanitation
- ✅ Employer must not withhold worker's passport (illegal under Qatar law)
- ✅ Worker must have freedom of movement on rest days
🚫 Passport Confiscation is Illegal in Qatar. An employer who holds a domestic worker's passport commits a legal offence under Qatar law. Workers should report this to MADLSA or the NHRC immediately.
🏥 Medical Care Rights
- ✅ Employer must provide health insurance (mandatory)
- ✅ Medical treatment costs are the employer's responsibility
- ✅ Worker entitled to sick leave with pay (30 days)
- ✅ Work-related injuries must be reported and treated at employer's expense
✈️ End of Contract Rights
- ✅ Return air ticket to home country — paid by employer
- ✅ End of service gratuity — 3 weeks salary per year worked (after 1 year)
- ✅ All outstanding wages must be settled before departure
- ✅ Employer must cancel residence permit and work permit properly
📢 How to File a Complaint
Call 16008 to report abuse, non-payment, or contract violations. Available in multiple languages.
Visit MADLSA Complaints Portal and submit your complaint with evidence.
For serious human rights violations, contact the National Human Rights Committee at 900 or SMS 119.
Visit MADLSA in person at Al Rumaila West, Doha. You can file a complaint directly at the workers' services counter.
Contact your country's embassy in Doha — Filipino, Indonesian, Sri Lankan, and Ethiopian embassies all have dedicated worker support units.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can a domestic worker resign before the contract ends in Qatar?
Yes — domestic workers can resign after serving the contract period or with valid cause (abuse, non-payment, dangerous conditions). With mutual agreement, early termination is possible.
What should I do if my employer is not paying my salary?
File a complaint immediately with MADLSA at 16008 or through the online portal. Qatar's WPS monitors salary payments and MADLSA can take enforcement action.
Is my employer allowed to lock me inside the house?
No — restricting a domestic worker's freedom of movement is illegal in Qatar. This constitutes unlawful confinement and should be reported to MADLSA or police immediately.
How many days annual leave am I entitled to in Qatar?
Under Qatar's Domestic Workers Law, you are entitled to 21 days of paid annual leave after completing 1 year of service.
What if my employer threatens to deport me if I complain?
Retaliation against workers for filing complaints is illegal. Qatar's MADLSA provides protection for complainants. Contact the NHRC at 900 if you face threats.
🏠 Looking to Hire a Domestic Worker in Qatar?
GCC Domestic lists 106 verified domestic worker agencies across Qatar. Compare agencies, view profiles, and contact directly via WhatsApp — zero commission.
📌 Source: Qatar Domestic Workers Law No.15 of 2017 — Updated 2026. Always verify latest requirements at portal.www.gov.qa