Qatar's relatively small population is well cared for with its high gross domestic products including profits from oil. Qatar has a social security system for its own nationals. Foreign nationals are excluded from this system. Qatar encourages companies to provide medical insurance for their employees and recommends private medical insurance for foreigners.

For Qatari nationals, this system automatically provides extensive assistance for medical care, sickness and maternity cover, child care, pensions, unemployment benefit and in some instances housing and disability benefits.

The Ministry of Social Affairs supervises the system.

Contributions

Employers in Qatar contribute to the social security system on behalf of Qatari national employees.

Benefits

Only Qatari nationals are eligible to receive social security benefits in Qatar.

The Social Security law stipulates paying monthly allowances to widows, divorcees, orphans and those with special needs. There is also housing services, job centers, juvenile care, etc.

Statutory Sick Pay in Qatar

Employees in Qatar are entitled to sick leave with pay for up to 2 weeks, after they have been employed for at least 3 months. If the sick leave extends over 2 weeks, the employee is paid half his/her wage for an additional 4 weeks.

Maternity Leave and Benefits in Qatar

Female workers who have been employed for at least one complete year are entitled to maternity leave with full pay for a period of 50 days.

In Qatar women are entitled to one paid hour off per day to nurse their children. This hour is set by the woman herself, not the employer.

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