Minimum wage for all workers takes effect today

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The Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs (MADLSA) announced the implementation of the new minimum wage for all workers, starting Saturday.This comes in implementation of Law No 17 of 2020 regarding setting the minimum wage for workers and domestic workers.The ministry said that all companies must comply with the minimum wage of QR1,000 when concluding contracts. Also, the employer should allocate an allowance if adequate housing and food for the worker or domestic worker are not provided. The minimum housing allowance is QR500, while food allowance is QR300, with the obligation to amend the employment contracts.Last September, the ministry announced a six-month transition period to modify the conclusion of contracts so that employers could be able to prepare for the transition.The ministry emphasised that adopting minimum basic wage, housing and food would generate better relations between the employer and the employee, adding that Qatar is the first country in the region to adopt a non-discriminatory minimum wage, which is a fundamental pillar in the reform programme and the transition plan to move towards a knowledge-based economy, as stipulated in Qatar National Vision 2030.The ministry has conducted awareness campaigns for workers in multiple languages, in addition to reaching out to employers and companies, and has worked to establish regulations to support the implementation of the minimum wage in co-ordination with the various competent authorities in the country.This step is being implemented in co-operation with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and in consultation with national and international experts and a wide range of workers and employers from different economic sectors.The ministry called on individuals and employers to apply the adoption of the minimum wage, and for inquiries, to call the hotline 16008.