Qatar: Labour Ministry Issues Licensing Rules for Overseas Recruitment Agencies

Qatar has introduced new regulations for agencies recruiting foreign workers. These rules include stringent eligibility criteria, financial guarantees, and accommodation obligations for operators, aiming to professionalize recruitment practices.

On October 26, 2026, Qatar's Ministry of Labour published a decision regulating the licensing for overseas recruitment agencies. According to the new framework, agencies must fulfill certain requirements, such as being owned by Qatari nationals aged at least 21 and lacking any relevant criminal convictions. Additionally, agencies must establish a physical office and provide a financial guarantee, ensuring sufficient accommodation for recruited workers. These changes aim to enhance the integrity of recruitment processes and protect the rights of overseas workers.

Source: LexisNexis – https://www.lexisnexis.com/blogs/ae-legal/b/insights/posts/qatar-labour-ministry-issues-licensing-rules-for-overseas-recruitment-agencies