Qatar to set up new panel to speedily resolve labour disputes in the country

After recently opening up the prospect of permanent residency for people who meet certain criteria, Qatar seems bent on implementing another major decision — setting up of a committee for fast and effective resolution of labour disputes.

HH The Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani yesterday issued law No (13) of 2017, thus amending some provisions of the Labour Law promulgated by law No (14) of 2004 and law No (13) of 1990, by issuing the Civil and Commercial Procedures law. It will go into effect once it is published in the official gazette, reported Gulf Times.

Under the new development, a Labour Dispute Resolution Committee (LDRC) will be formed within the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs (MADLSA), among other legal steps, reported The Peninsula.

The law indicates that dispute between employee and employer first need to be considered by Department of Labour Relation which must settle the dispute within seven days.

If the department fails to settle the dispute within the designed period then the department must transfer the case to the dispute committee within three working days. Exceptionally, worker or employee can file case directly to the dispute committee in case of dismissal.

If the committee found that his/her dismissal was arbitrary then committee has the right to return him/her to the job with due payments including allowances if from which he/she deprived because of the dismissal.

The panel will be appointed by a judge of the Court of First Instance chosen by the Supreme Judicial Council and two members nominated by the minister provided that one of them has experience in accounting, reported Qatar Triubune.

The decision of this committee shall be reasoned, including the names and characteristics of the litigants, and the presentation of the totality of the dispute, the claims of the litigants and their defenses. This decision shall have the force of the executive bond. 

The decision issued by the committee might be challenged within 15 days from the date of the decision if he is present and from the day following the issuance of the decision if he is in absentia. 

The competent court at the appeal court must look at the case promptly and shall adjudicate it within 30 days from the date of its first hearing.