11 Simple Methods to File a Labour Complaint in Qatar

11 Simple Methods to File a Labour Complaint in Qatar. Nearly two million expatriates from across the globe contribute to Qatar’s rapid economic growth by supporting its infrastructure and service sectors. Despite strict labour regulations, some private employers still fail to pay wages on time or provide essential employee facilities.

To safeguard workers’ rights, the Government of Qatar has set up dedicated support centres and helplines. This article outlines the official channels employees can use to file a labour complaint against their employer.

What To Do If Your Employer Is Not Paying Your Salary?

The Government of Qatar places the highest priority on protecting the rights of guest workers and ensuring that all employers fully comply with national labour laws.

To support this commitment, the Wage Protection System (WPS) was introduced to guarantee timely salary payments and the proper settlement of any wage arrears.

Under Labour Law No. 14 of 2014 and its related ministerial resolutions, wages must be paid within a maximum of seven (7) days from the due date.

If an employer fails to transfer salaries through the WPS within this timeframe, the Minister may suspend the issuance of new work permits and/or halt the employer’s transactions with the Ministry, except for the authentication of employment contracts.

How To File A Labour Complaint Against Employer

An employee who is not paid on time can file an official complaint with the Ministry of Labour (formerly MADLSA) through the channels outlined below, after which the Ministry will review and process the complaint accordingly.

Labour Complaint Through Unified Platform for Complaints and Whistleblowers

The Unified Platform for Complaints and Whistleblowers was launched in mid-2021 to enable employees to submit complaints easily.

Through this platform, users can lodge labour complaints, report violations, track the status of their cases, review personal data registered with the Ministry, and update contact details such as their mobile number and email address.

The steps to submit a labour complaint through the Ministry of Labour Complaints Portal are outlined below:

• Visit the Ministry of Labour Complaints and Whistleblower Portal.
• Select “Submit a Complaint (Login as Individual).”
• On the next page, log in using your QID or Visa number along with your registered mobile number.
• Click “Request OTP.”
• Enter the OTP sent to your mobile, and follow the onscreen instructions to proceed.

You may also log in using your National Authentication System (NAS) username and password. In both cases, you will be redirected to the same page.

The relevant department will review the submitted complaints and disputes and will notify the complainant through SMS and email.

Complaints may be filed against entities governed by Qatar Labour Law No. 14 of 2004, the Domestic Workers Law issued under Law No. 15 of 2017, or organizations regulated by the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs.

Additionally, the portal allows you to submit a whistleblower (third-party) complaint.

Labour Complaint By SMS To Ministry of Labour Hotline Number

Qatar’s Ministry of Labour has introduced an SMS service to help workers report workplace issues easily. The hotline operates 24/7 and supports multiple languages for better accessibility.

Steps to submit a labour complaint via SMS to the Ministry of Labour hotline (92727):

• Open your phone’s SMS (text message) app
• Type 5 followed by your Qatar ID number or visa number
• Send the message to 92727

This process allows workers who are unable to visit the ministry in person to submit their complaints while ensuring that all complaints remain confidential.

Labour Complaint By Calling Ministry of Labour Hotline Number

Workers can file complaints by calling the Ministry of Labour hotline at 16008. To report violations related to workers’ accommodation conditions, individuals should contact 4028 0660.

Labour Complaint By Sending E-mail

Another option is to contact the Ministry of Labour by sending an email to [email protected].

Labour Complaint Through Amerni Mobile App

2023 Update: The Amerni mobile app is currently not working.

Workers can also file their complaints online using the “Amerni Qatar” smartphone application, which offers electronic services in 33 languages.

Steps to Submit a Labour Complaint via the Amerni Mobile App:

• Download and install the “Amerni Qatar” app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
• Log in with your Tawtheeq (NAS) account.
• Complete the initial setup by following the Amerni Mobile App User Guide.
• On the home screen, tap the “Submit Labour Complaint” icon.
• Choose your preferred language and provide the complaint details.

The Amerni Mobile App also includes a dedicated option for “Domestic Worker Complaints.”

Related: Steps to Set Up a Tawtheeq Qatar Account

Labour Complaint Through Minstry’s Self-service Kiosks

Workers in Qatar can also file complaints anonymously using the Ministry’s self-service kiosks, available in 10 languages such as Arabic, English, Nepali, Hindi, Bengali, Urdu, and Tamil.

ADLSA Self-Service Kiosk for Labour Complaints
Through these kiosks, a worker can submit a complaint in their native language using a simple three-step form. After completing the form, they can print a copy containing all the relevant details and submit it to the Labour Affairs Department, where the issue will be addressed and resolved amicably.

Labour Complaint Through Ministry of Labour Offices

Nowadays, instead of going straight to the Labour Court, workers are required to first approach the Ministry of Labour offices, where a dedicated section handles the registration of such complaints.

• Workers can file complaints in person at the Labour Department Offices located in the Industrial Area (see location map) and Al-Shahaniya (see location map).
• The offices are open Sunday to Thursday, from 7:30 AM to 12:30 PM.

Follow these steps to file a direct complaint with the Ministry of Labour:

• Write down the full name of the company and its location.
• Obtain the contact number of the company manager or Mandoob.
• Make copies of your Passport and Qatar ID.
• Visit the Labour Department office.
• Upon arrival, complete the complaint form.
• Submit the form to the labour inspector.
• Explain your complaint clearly and provide any supporting documents you have.

After reviewing the complaint, the Labour Department will make every effort to resolve the matter without involving the court. It may contact the employer and request supporting documents or evidence if needed. If a resolution cannot be achieved, the case will be forwarded to the Labour Court.

Labour Complaint Through Ministry Website Form

Employees can submit complaints or suggestions through the contact form available on the Ministry of Labour website.

To submit a labour complaint, follow these steps:

• Visit the Complaints page on the Ministry of Labour website.
• Select the type as “Suggestion” or “Query.”
• Enter your name, email, phone number, and Qatar ID number.
• Provide the details of your complaint in the description box.
• Click “Submit” to send your complaint.

How to A Submit Labour Complaint to NHRC

Another option is to file a complaint with the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC).

The NHRC is dedicated to protecting and promoting human rights for all individuals under the jurisdiction of the State of Qatar, including citizens, residents, and transit travelers. Anyone who believes their rights have been violated can submit a complaint for the NHRC to review and take appropriate action.

You can submit a complaint to the NHRC through the following methods:

Labour Complaint Through NHRC Website

• Step 1: Visit the NHRC website and navigate to the Complaint Form page.
• Step 2: If you don’t already have an account, click on “Create Account.”
• Step 3: Fill in your details, including Name, QID/Passport, Phone Number, Email, etc., to complete the registration.
• Step 4: After registering, log in to submit your complaint form.

Labour Complaint Through NHRC E-mail or Fax

A worker can also submit the complaint form to the NHRC through e-mail or fax by following these steps:

• Step 1: Download the Complaint Form from the NHRC website.
• Step 2: Print a copy of the form.
• Step 3: Fill out the form with your contact details.
• Step 4: Attach a copy of your ID card (for Qatari nationals) or a copy of your passport/visa (for non-Qataris).
• Step 5: Include any supporting documents relevant to your complaint.
• Step 6: Send the completed form via fax or e-mail to the NHRC.

Labour Complaint Through NHRC Office

Workers may directly visit the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) office to submit their printed complaint form along with copies of relevant documents and any supporting materials, as outlined in the previous option.

The NHRC office is located in Fereej Abdulaziz (Nasser Bin Khalid intersection, behind Doha Petrol Station, Otabi Tower). You can view the NHRC location on this map.

How To Check The Status Of A Labour Complaint?

After lodging a complaint and obtaining your reference number, you can track its status via the Ministry of Labour website or the Amerni mobile app.

Option 1: Checking The Status On Ministry Website

Follow these steps to check the status of your labour complaint on the Ministry of Labour website:

• Visit the Labour Complaint Status page on the Ministry of Labour website.
• Enter the establishment registration number in the first field.
• Enter your complaint number in the second field.
• Choose the relevant year from the drop-down menu.
• Click the “Submit” button to view your complaint status.

Option 2: Checking The Status on Amerni Mobile App

You can track the status of your labour complaint easily through the Amerni mobile app. Follow these steps:

• Step 1: Open the Amerni mobile app
• Step 2: Log in using your Tawtheeq (NAS) username and password
• Step 3: Choose “Individual.”
• Step 4: Tap on “Labour Complaint Follow-up.”
• Step 5: Select the relevant year
• Step 6: Follow the on-screen instructions to proceed

Labour Dispute Settlement Committees

Qatar has established labor dispute settlement committees to enhance workers’ access to justice.

When a dispute occurs, both workers and employers initially present it to the Ministry of Labour, which takes the necessary steps to resolve the matter amicably. The Ministry examines the dispute and provides a response within seven days.

If the issue is escalated to the Labour Dispute Settlement Committee, the Committee arbitrates the dispute, and its decision is enforceable immediately, typically within three weeks.

Workers may also submit complaints through their representatives, who regularly liaise with the Ministry of Labour.

How The Labour Dispute Resolution System Works

Scenario 1: I think my employer has breached my contract and/or broke Qatar labour law.

Step 1: Initiate the Process

• Submit a complaint to the Ministry of Labour while you are still employed or within one year after your employment ends.

Step 2: Ministry of Labour Meeting

• The Ministry will schedule a meeting with all parties to try to resolve the issue. To prepare:
• Bring all supporting documents related to your complaint.
• Be ready to clearly explain your concerns.
• Calculate and present the total amount of your losses.

If the issue remains unresolved:
You may request that your case be referred to the Dispute Settlement Committee (DSC) for a formal legal hearing.

Step 3 – DSC Hearing

• The DSC functions as a court of law, considering evidence from both parties. To prepare:
• Bring all documents and proof supporting your complaint.
• Prepare a detailed calculation of your losses in Arabic.
• Be ready to respond to questions from the DSC.

Outcome: The DSC will issue a legal decision. If no appeal is filed within 15 days, the decision becomes final.

Scenario 2: I want to challenge my employer’s decision to discipline me.

Step 1 – Initiate the Process

• Submit a written grievance to your employer within seven days of being notified about the disciplinary penalty. Keep a copy for your records.

Step 2 – Employer’s Response

• The employer has seven days to respond.
• If unresolved: If you are dissatisfied or the employer fails to respond, you may escalate the complaint to the Ministry of Labour within seven days.

Step 3 – Ministry of Labour Review

• The Ministry evaluates whether the disciplinary action was fair:
• Non-dismissal penalties (e.g., warnings, wage deductions, suspension, delayed promotions/wage increases): Ministry’s decision is final.
• Dismissal penalties: If the Ministry deems the dismissal fair, the worker can request a legal hearing.

Step 4 – Dismissal Cases Only: Legal Hearing

• The case is referred to the Dispute Settlement Committee (DSC) for further review.

Note: The Ministry’s handling depends on the type of penalty. Non-dismissal (warnings, wage deductions, suspensions, delayed promotions/wage increases)Dismissal from employment

Scenario 3: My employer has accused me of deliberately causing damage and has or is going to deduct my wages.

• Step 1: File a complaint with the Ministry of Labour within 7 days of being notified about the deduction.
• Step 2: The Ministry of Labour will review the case and may decide to cancel, reduce, or uphold the deduction. The Ministry’s decision is fina

Workers’ Support and Insurance Fund

Qatar has set up a Workers’ Support and Insurance Fund to protect and assist employees, safeguard their rights, and promote a safe and healthy work environment. The fund also ensures that workers receive the financial compensation awarded by Labour Dispute Settlement Committees in cases where a company becomes insolvent and is unable to pay its employees.

Changing Employer After Labour Complaint

If the Labour Department or Labour Court determines that an employer has failed to pay salary, the employer will be required to settle the outstanding payment within a specified timeframe. Additionally, if a worker wishes to resign and join another company, the Labour Department can provide assistance.

Complaints such as visa trading or violations of residence laws can also be reported through the “Search and Follow-up” feature in the Metrash App.

Always remember, you have legal rights, and the Qatari government is there to protect them. Don’t hesitate to stand up and assert your rights.

FAQS About Labour Complaint in Qatar

How do I complain to the labour department in Qatar?

To file a complaint with Qatar’s Ministry of Labour, you can: use the online portal on their website (mol.gov.qa) or mobile app, call the hotline at 16008 or 16505, send an SMS to 92727 (type ‘5’ followed by your ID/Visa number), or email [email protected]. Include your Qatar ID/Visa, employment contract details, and any supporting documents for issues such as unpaid wages or contract violations.

How can I complain against a company in Qatar?

• General consumer issues: Contact the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) via hotline 16001, WhatsApp +974 6611 1400, SMS 92665, or the MOCIQatar App.
• Labour disputes: Use the Ministry of Labour’s Unified Platform at acms.adlsa.gov.qa or email [email protected].
• QFC-regulated companies: Reach out to the QFC Regulatory Authority’s Customer Dispute Resolution Scheme (CDRS) at [email protected],

Do I need a lawyer to file a complaint?

No, in most situations, employees can approach Qatar’s Ministry of Labour directly to lodge a complaint without the need for a lawyer.

Conclusion

In Qatar, employees have multiple official channels to file labour complaints, including the Ministry of Labour portal, hotline, SMS service, email, self-service kiosks, and NHRC. Complaints are reviewed promptly, with disputes resolved through the Ministry or Labour Dispute Settlement Committees. Workers are supported by the Wage Protection System and Workers’ Support Fund, ensuring timely salary payments and protection of their legal rights.