How to Change Employer in Qatar Online? Ultimate Guide 2024
Qatar has very strict labour laws about changing the employer. The employer change is a complex process. It may be with or without an NOC. Both have a complete and specified procedure. The employer as well as the employee are bound to follow the procedure. In this article, we will explain the complete procedure of changing sponsorship step by step.
Understanding Sponsorship in Qatar Online
In Qatar, expatriates need an employer/sponsor to work and live. This employer is responsible for the QID/RP of the employee. The government of Qatar has a very defined law about labour which is Qatar Labour Law.
The Qatar Labour law explains how an employee can change sponsorship with or without NOC. NOC is a non-objection certificate issued by the employer/sponsor allowing the employee to transfer the sponsorship to the new employer. This document is considered very important for the smooth process of job change.
Employer Change in Qatar Online Step-by-Step Guide
Secure a New Job Offer:
You can change the sponsorship but you must be sure that the new employer/sponsor will give you a job otherwise don’t think about changing sponsorship.
Application Submission
To change employer you need to submit an application for the job change. For this purpose go to the Ministry of Labour’s website and print a copy of the “Change Employer” form. You need some documents which are as follows
- Old employment contract.
- New employment contract.
- NOC from the first employer.
Complete the Form
To fulfil the employer change process fill in the form with all the requested information about you and your new employer, then sign it. Your new employer has to sign and put an official stamp of the company on it.
Scan or Photograph the Form
Take a picture of the Change Employer form or scan it. The change employer form should be completed and signed.
Upload the ‘’Change Employer’’ form
Upload the completed and signed ”Change Employer” form to the MOL website. Use your QID (Qatar ID) or mobile number and log in to the MOL (Ministry of Labour). The mobile number you are using should match the mobile number on QID.
What is Employer Change (EC) Number in Qatar?
Once a person submits an application for the employer change, the system generates an ‘’Employer Change’’ (EC) number for him. This number appears on the screen. Take a photo of the EC (Employer Change) number or write it down.
Notice Periods and Notifications for Changing Jobs
Once the application for ‘’Change Job’’ is approved, you, your current employer, and your new employer will receive an SMS. You will be told about the notice period.
- If you have worked with the current employer for less than 2 years, your notice period will be one month.
- If you have worked with the current employer for more than 2 years, your notice period will be two months. In this notice period, you have to work for your current employer.
Employment Contract Submission Process After Notice Period
When the notice period ends, then within three months, your new employer has to submit the employment contract. You and your new employer have to sign this contract. Your new employer will upload it to the digital platform for authentication. Your new employer will give you a copy of the ‘’Employer Change’’ contract. You can download it yourself.
See more: How to check Qatar ID online.
Requesting a New QID for Employee
The employer change process is incomplete without a new Qatar ID. Your new employer will request a new QID for you. This request is done on the Ministry of Interior (MOI) Qatar website or the Ministry of Interior’s Metrash services webpage.
Benefits of Changing Sponsorship with NOC
Smooth Transition:
The employer change process with NOC makes the whole transition very smooth and easy.
No Ban Period:
The employment ban has never been reported in this case.
Benefits of Changing Sponsorship without NOC
Changing sponsorship without an NOC is difficult but not impossible.
Step-by-Step Guide
Identify Eligible Scenarios:
There are some scenarios in which NOC is not required for changing sponsorship. Some of them are as follows
- Your contract has ended but has not been renewed.
- You have completed 5 years with your current employer.
- Your current employer has violated the labour laws.
Secure a New Job Offer:
Secure a job offer from the new employer.
File a Complaint with MADLSA:
If your employer refuses to provide an NOC without specific reason, you can file a complaint with MADLSA.
Key Tips for a Successful Sponsorship Change
Maintain Professionalism:
Try to communicate leniently and professionally with your current employer when requesting an NOC.
Understand Legal Rights:
You should know all the Qatari labour laws to avoid any problems during the sponsorship transfer.
Prepare Thoroughly:
You should have documents having details about
- Employment status.
- Reasons for changing sponsorship.
Consult Legal Advisor:
Always consult a legal advisor specializing in Qatari labour laws to guide you through the process of changing sponsorship.
