Qatar Enforces Outdoor Work Ban to Protect Workers

Qatar has enacted a ban on outdoor work between 10:00 and 15:30 daily, effective from June 1 to September 15 each year, as per Ministerial Decree No. (17) of 2021 issued by the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs. This decree extends existing summer work restrictions by six weeks, providing greater protection for workers exposed to direct sunlight.

Companies are mandated to offer heat stress training, personal protective equipment, and annual health checks to their workers. Additionally, work must cease if the Wet-Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) exceeds 32.1, regardless of the time.

The ministry has established a 24-hour hotline and 11 electronic complaint kiosks to allow workers to report heat-related violations and other grievances. The kiosks support multiple languages to accommodate Qatar's diverse migrant workforce.

Furthermore, workers have the legal right to retain a personal copy of their employment contracts, which must adhere to the ministry's standard template.