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