Qatar has recently introduced labor reforms that could prove beneficial for the country’s long-term development. Having come under the spotlight due to the FIFA World Cup that it is due to host in 2022, Doha has received criticism regarding human rights and living standards of foreign migrants working there.

Announcing a nondiscriminatory minimum wage and doing away with some of the control sponsors have over employees under the prevalent kafala system, Qatar is not only setting new labor standards to attract more foreign workers, but it is also the first Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) state to announce such drastic reforms.

Removing the main kafala limitation, the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labor and Social Affairs (MADLSA) announced that going forward,  an employee will not require a no-objection certificate (NOC) from his employer before changing jobs; instead, a one-month written notice would be required in the contract for the first two years, and then a two-month notice after the second year ends.

Usually, this exit permit would become an impediment for foreign migrants looking for well-paid jobs more suited to their skills. After these reforms, employees can afford to be more ambitious. Being reliant on expat workers in the private sector, Doha is trying to build a stable worker base.