Can Your Employer Keep Your Passport in Qatar?

BySheikh Suleman

To ensure a fair and secure working environment in Qatar, expatriates need to understand their rights and the local laws. Employers often worry about holding on to their employees’ passports, which arises frequently. To clear up any misconceptions, let’s dig into the details of “Can your Employer Keep Your Passport in Qatar?”


Can Your Employer Keep Your Passport in Qatar? – The Law on Passport Holding

The Qatari government introduced Law No. 21 in 2015, which clarifies entry, exit, and residency requirements for workers in the country clarifying Can Your Employer Keep Your Passport in Qatar. As a result of this law, which was implemented in December 2016, employers are not permitted to confiscate passports.

Section 8(3) of the law clearly states:

“The employer shall return the passport or travel document to the expatriate worker after finalizing the permit procedures or its renewal, unless the expatriate worker requests in writing that the employer keeps it with him, provided he shall return it to him/her upon his/her request.”


An employer is required to return an employee’s passport once permit procedures have been completed or a permit has been renewed. Only if the employee explicitly requests in writing that the employer hold on to their passport will the company hold onto it. However, even in this case, the employer is still required to return the passport promptly upon request.

Once you’ve applied for your visa, you can check its status at Qatar Visa Check.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

The consequences can be severe if an employer refuses to return an employee’s passport at the request of the employee. According to Qatari law, non-compliant employers are subject to penalties if they withhold an employee’s passport.


A fine of up to 25,000 Qatari Riyals (approximately $6,865 USD) can be imposed on employers who confiscate passports. As a result, this substantial punishment emphasizes the seriousness of the offense and serves as a deterrent.

Safeguarding Personal Documents

As part of the law, employers must also provide workers with personal storage facilities for the duration of their employment. Lockable storage units should be accessible at all times, allowing workers to store their important documents and passports safely.


You must also know that Qatar Visa Medical Test is necessary for your work visa.

Retrieving Your Passport

In the event that your employer holds your passport unlawfully after your Qatar Temporary Work Visa, you should take immediate action. A complaint can be filed directly with the Ministry of Labor or through your respective embassy.


If you wish to submit a complaint, you can visit the Ministry of Labor’s offices, call their helpline (16008), or send an email to [email protected].

Legal Procedure for Resolving Disputes

The Legal Resolution Process can be initiated by you if you encounter disputes with your employer, including issues regarding passport confiscation, through the Administrative Development Labor and Social Affairs (ADLSA).

The following is a brief overview of the process:

  • Lodge a Complaint: Complaints can be lodged with the ADLSA up to one year after their contract ends. There is no charge for this service.
  • Conciliation Meeting: ADLSA will invite both parties to a mandatory conciliation meeting, where they will attempt to resolve the dispute amicably.
  • Worker’s Dispute Settlement Committee (DSC): The case will be submitted to the DSC if no solution is reached during the conciliation meeting. During the hearings, both parties will be able to present evidence and arguments.
  • Appeal Process: It is possible to appeal the decision of the DSC to the Appellate Court if either party is dissatisfied with it.

It’s important to note that workers can receive free legal advice through the ADLSA. Do not hesitate to contact the ADLSA helpline if you need assistance navigating the complaint process or understanding your rights regarding Can Your Employer Keep Your Passport in Qatar.

Legal Procedure for Resolving Disputes regarding Can Your Employer Keep Your Passport in Qatar

Safeguarding Workers’ Rights

The labor laws of Qatar protect the rights and well-being of both employers and employees. The country strives to foster a fair and transparent work environment by prohibiting passport confiscation and providing clear legal recourse for workers.

Knowledge is power, remember that. By familiarizing yourself with the relevant laws and procedures, you are able to take appropriate action if your rights are ever violated. To ensure your interests are protected and to know about Can Your Employer Keep Your Passport in Qatar, do not hesitate to seek assistance from the proper authorities.

FAQs

It is not uncommon for Qatari camps for migrant workers to confiscate passports. In some cases, companies also require that their workers obtain exit permits before leaving the country.

After your probation period, if you wish to leave Qatar, you must notify your employer through the MoL’s electronic notification system one month before the termination of your employment contract.

If workers plan to leave Qatar, they do not need to obtain an exit permit. The process of switching jobs has been simplified with new procedures. A No Objection Certificate (NOC) is no longer required. A new minimum wage that should not be discriminatory has been established.

In the event that an employer refuses to return an employee’s passport upon request, they may face serious consequences. Under Qatari law, withholding an employee’s passport is illegal, and the Ministry of Labor has the authority to punish non-compliant employers.

Wrapping Up

A complete guide on “Can Your Employer Keep Your Passport in Qatar” has been provided above. Although employers in Qatar once retained employees’ passports, legal steps have been taken to eradicate this practice and empower workers. 

Qatari law clearly stipulates that this practice is illegal, providing workers with further protection and redress. The legal landscape in Qatar regarding employment and residency rights continues to evolve and expand, which makes it crucial for employers as well as employees to stay updated.

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *