Qatar Labour Law on Working Hours and Overtime. The Qatar Labour Law sets strict regulations on employee working hours to ensure workers are not overworked or underpaid. It defines the maximum weekly working hours and guarantees overtime pay for any work performed beyond standard hours.
This article explains the key provisions of the Qatar Labour Law regarding regular working hours, overtime entitlements, and weekly rest days.
Article 73 of the Qatar Labour Law is designed to prevent excessive working hours, protect employee well-being, and guarantee fair compensation for overtime work.
Qatar Labour Law On Working Hours
According to Article 73 of the Qatar Labour Law, the standard working hours must not exceed eight hours per day and forty-eight hours per week. This applies throughout the year, except during the Holy Month of Ramadan, when the maximum working hours are reduced to six hours per day and thirty-six hours per week.
| Month Type | Maximum Weekly Hours | Maximum Daily Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Months | Up to 48 hours per week | Up to 8 hours per day |
| Ramadan | Up to 36 hours per week | Up to 6 hours per day |
Travel Time
Commuting time between an employee’s residence and workplace is not counted as part of the official working hours.
Rest Time
Every worker is entitled to a minimum rest break of one hour during the workday. This break is not counted as part of the employee’s official working hours.
- Working hours must include a break for prayer, rest, and meals.
- This break must be at least one hour and no more than three hours.
- These intervals are not counted as part of the actual working hours.
- Employees cannot be required to work more than five consecutive hours without a break.
In exceptional cases, uninterrupted work may be allowed through a ministerial decision.
Qatar Labour Law About Overtime
Any work performed beyond an employee’s regular working hours is classified as overtime. Article 74 of the Qatar Labour Law outlines the rules governing overtime and the additional compensation due to workers.
If necessary, an employee may be required to work extra hours beyond the standard limit, provided the total working hours do not exceed ten (10) hours per day.
The only exceptions to this limit apply in situations where additional work is essential to prevent a major loss, avoid a dangerous incident, or repair and minimize the effects of such an event.
Overtime Payment For Extra Hours
Workers who perform duties beyond their regular working hours are entitled to overtime compensation. According to the law:
“The Employer shall pay the Workers for the additional working hours a payment that shall not be less than the payable Basic Wage for the normal working hours plus an extra pay not less than (25%) thereof.”
This means that for any additional working hours, the employer must pay the employee no less than the basic hourly wage plus an extra 25% of that wage. In practical terms, overtime must be paid at a minimum of 125% of the regular hourly rate.
For example, if a worker normally earns QR 20 per hour, their overtime rate should be at least QR 25 per hour (QR 20 × 125/100).
Overtime Payment for Night Work
Employees who perform overtime during nighttime hours are entitled to higher compensation than standard overtime rates. According to Qatar labor law:
“The employer shall pay workers who work between 9:00 PM and 6:00 AM their regular basic wage, plus an additional amount of at least 50% of the basic wage, except for workers assigned to shift schedules.”
According to this regulation, employees who work overtime between 9 PM and 6 AM are entitled to a minimum of 150% of their regular hourly wage. This provision, however, does not apply to workers on shift schedules.
For instance, if a worker earns a regular wage of QR 20 per hour, any overtime worked between 9 PM and 6 AM must be compensated at a minimum rate of QR 30 per hour (QR 20 × 150%).
Qatar Labour Law About Weekly Holiday
Article 75 of the Qatar Labour Law addresses the regulations regarding the weekly paid rest day:
“The worker shall be given a weekly paid rest, which shall not be less than twenty-four successive hours, and Friday shall be the weekly rest day for all workers, except those working on shift schedules.”
The law mandates that every worker is entitled to at least one day of rest per week. For all employees, except those working on a shift basis, this rest day is designated as Friday.
Compensation For Working During Rest Day
If a worker is required to work on a designated rest day:
- The worker must be granted an alternative day off as compensation.
- The worker is entitled to payment for working on the rest day, either equal to the wage for a normal weekly rest day or their basic wage plus an additional amount of at least 150% of their regular wage.
Working on Consecutive Fridays
Except for employees on a shift schedule, workers cannot be required to work for more than two consecutive Fridays.
Schedule of Work Hours
Article 77 of the Qatar Labour Law requires employers to display a schedule outlining working days, weekly rest days, working hours, and rest breaks for all employees. This schedule must be posted:
a) at the main entrances used by workers, and
b) in a prominent location within the workplace.
Additionally, the employer is obligated to provide a copy of this schedule to the Labour Department.
Exemption To These Rules
Articles 73, 74, and 75 of the Labour Law do not apply to individuals in key positions who possess powers similar to those of the employer over other workers. Additionally, Article 73 does not apply to:
- Workers performing preparatory or complementary tasks required before or after regular working hours.
- Security guards and cleaning staff.
- Other categories of workers, for whom maximum working hours may be determined by a decision from the Minister of Labour.
Important Note: The provisions of the Qatar Labour Law do not cover domestic workers or employees under personal sponsorship. Similarly, public sector and government employees are governed by separate regulations and are not subject to the labor law.
FAQS About Working Hours and Overtime
What is the overtime rule in Qatar?
Qatar’s overtime regulations require employers to pay extra for hours worked beyond the standard 8-hour day or 48-hour week. Regular overtime is typically compensated at 125% of the normal wage, while work at night (9 PM–4 AM) or on rest days, such as Fridays, is paid at 150%. Daily working hours, including overtime, are usually limited to 10 hours. Recent updates under Law No. 25 of 2025 introduce specific provisions for the public sector, including higher hour limits and capped allowances.
What is the maximum overtime hours allowed?
Except for those specifically exempted, employees covered under the Act are entitled to overtime pay for any hours worked beyond 40 in a workweek, at a rate of at least one and a half times their regular pay. The Act does not impose a maximum limit on the number of hours that employees aged 16 and older may work in a week.
Am I eligible for overtime pay during the shift schedule?
Employees on shift schedules are not entitled to overtime pay for their standard shift hours. Overtime compensation applies only to any hours worked beyond their regular shift.
Conclusion
Qatar Labour Law ensures fair working hours, overtime compensation, and weekly rest days, protecting employee well-being and preventing overwork. By regulating regular and extra hours, including night and rest-day work, the law promotes work-life balance, safety, and productivity. Understanding these provisions helps employees secure their rights while enabling employers to maintain a compliant and efficient workforce.