Qatar: Private Sector Nationalization Law Forthcoming

The government of Qatar has approved a draft law that will implement a nationalization policy for the private sector. This law – which is being reviewed by the country’s Shura council and is expected to be approved in the coming months – will apply to all private sector companies in Qatar and impose “localization percentages” (the percentage of an employer’s workforce that must be made up of Qatari nationals) for certain professions. Further details, including deadlines for compliance, will be released once the law is approved. The policy will also establish financial incentives for Qatari nationals enrolled in private sector institutions; facilitate university studies for Qatari nationals; and ensure Qatari nationals are appointed to leadership roles. Employers of foreign nationals may need to review the composition of their workforce to ensure they comply with these upcoming requirements.