Qatar NOC Rules 2025: Updated Guide

New rules in Qatar allow all expatriates to change employers and move to a new job more easily without the NOC certificates previously required for this purpose. This could contribute to greater competition in the private sector and increase employees’ ability to improve their salaries and living conditions more easily.

Qatar NOC Rules

Under the new regulations, it is no longer necessary to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) in Qatar when changing employers. This can be done after submitting the notification required by the applicable Labor Law. The employee is entitled to all of his or her rights, and the NOC service remains available if needed for any other transaction.

Rules for changing employer without a NOC in Qatar

• The worker should notify his / her sponsor through the electronic system of the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs (ADLSA):
  • The worker should give a one-month notice if he / she has been in the job for two years or less
  • The worker should give a two-month notice if he / she has been in the job for more than two years
• The worker should express his / her intention to change jobs through the electronic notification system of ADLSA, with the following documents enclosed:
  • ADLSA change-of-sponsor form
  • Copy of the contract signed with the former sponsor, authenticated by ADLSA (or the employment offer in absence of contract copy)
  • The new sponsor’s job offer in Arabic
• The worker and the new sponsor should receive an SMS from ADLSA confirming the change of employment.
• The new sponsor should initiate the electronic employment contract on ADLSA’s Digital Authentication System.
• The new sponsor should print out the employment contract, and discuss and sign it with the worker.
• The new sponsor should upload the signed employment contract on ADLSA’s Digital Authentication System, and pay the authentication fee of QAR 60.
• When the employment contract is authenticated, the new sponsor should submit a request for a new QID to the Ministry of Interior.
  • Upon completion of this procedure, the worker will be able to start the new job. The worker should receive his / her new Qatari ID card (QID) and health card from the new sponsor.

Conclusion

NOCs are no longer required to transfer to a new sponsor or employer in Qatar, ensuring that all expatriates have better job opportunities in Qatar and reducing the risk of skilled and experienced workers leaving the country for other job markets.