As part of Qatar’s Nationalisation Law (‘The Law’) in the private sector, the Government has announced plans to target eight strategic sectors. We reported on the introduction of The Law in September 2024, which is expected to take effect in March 2025.
During a panel discussion the Chairman of the Qatar Chamber announced that nationalisation initiatives aim to focus on the following eight strategic sectors:
Each sector will be overseen by dedicated sectoral Councils with a purpose to facilitate continuous communication, enhance dialogue, promote effective partnerships and align sectoral strategies between senior Ministry of Labour officials and private sector organisations.
The Law will be implemented in three phases. The phased implementation of this strategy will allow businesses to gradually adapt to the nationalisation objectives, beginning with a foundational stage centred on skill development through tailored trained programmes for each sector. The first phase will be followed by a capacity-building phase that emphasises the employment of Qatar nationals, and the final phase will drive a comprehensive transformation, ensuring a sustainable and long-term shift in the workforce.
The Ministry of Labour also introduced a six-year strategy aimed at enhancing nationalisation within the private sector, while also raising the share of skilled foreign nationals in the workforce.
The new strategy features aims to:
The Law aims to primarily support the private sector rather than create obstacles for companies and institutions. The implementation of The Law in three phases signals the Government’s recognition of the crucial role of the private sector in building the local workforce and aims to help the private sector adjust to The Law.
The strategy aligns with Qatar National Vision 2030 , particularly the nationalisation of jobs and the increase of proportion of highly skilled workers in the private sector.
It is important for privately owned companies to comply with the new strategy once in effect, and the requirements that need to be satisfied in order to comply with The Law.
We expect the government to announce further details in the near future. Our team will continue to closely monitor and provide timely guidance on any new updates announced by the government.
For a deeper discussion on the above, please reach out to your Vialto Partners point of contact, or alternatively:
Anir Chatterji
EMEA Immigration Partner
Antoine Salloum
Senior Manager, Qatar Immigration Lead
Marilyn Serrao
Senior Associate, Middle East Immigration
Vialto Partners Middle East
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