Most Qatar workers receiving pay under new wage protection system guidelines

Seven months since the implementation of a new salary payment system, most of the workers in Qatar now receive their salaries under the state’s Wage Protection System (WPS), according to Dr Issa Saad al-Juffali al-Nuaimi, minister for administrative development and labor and social affairs.

The minister made the announcement before Qatar Chamber Chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim al-Thani and other chamber officials during a meeting with business owners and private companies.

The WPS was implemented in November, based on amendments to Labor Law 14. The new salary payment system requires companies to transfer pay electronically to employees’ bank accounts.

Employers called on the ministry to establish a labor court to decide upon labor and employment concerns. They also showed concern over delays, suspensions, rejections and lengthy procedures surrounding the granting of work visas.

“We have already discussed this issue with the prime minister," Al-Nuaimi said. "A new mechanism will be created to streamline or simplify the issuance of visas. The chamber will be duly informed of any developments in the streamlining process.”

“Qatar is keen on developing legislative and legal infrastructure in line with the conventions and treaties signed by Qatar, and to achieve ease of doing business," Al-Nuaimi said. "The leadership of this country places great importance on the implementation of all security and safety standards for foreign workers.” 

The chamber is working hard to communicate with all agencies in the state to solve all obstacles facing business owners and companies, Al-Thani said.