Qatar has introduced new regulations governing the licensing and operation of agencies that recruit workers from overseas on behalf of employers. Ministerial Decision No. 61 of 2026, issued by Minister of Labour Dr. Ali bin Samikh Al Marri, establishes an updated framework for recruitment agencies, including licensing requirements, financial guarantees, operational obligations and administrative enforcement measures.

The regulations are intended to strengthen oversight of recruitment activities and clarify the responsibilities of companies and individuals operating in this sector.

The decision was published in Issue No. 20 of Qatar’s Official Gazette on Sunday, October 25, 2026. Its final provision states that the regulations take effect on the day following publication, making them applicable from Monday, October 26. Under the new requirements, an individual applying for a recruitment agency licence must be a Qatari national, at least 21 years old, and meet the relevant legal and professional eligibility conditions. Applicants must also maintain independent permanent premises and obtain the appropriate commercial authorization before conducting recruitment activities.

For corporate applicants, the regulations require establishment under Qatar’s commercial companies legislation, full Qatari ownership of the company’s capital and the appointment of a dedicated responsible manager. One of the most significant provisions is a financial guarantee of QAR 750,000, which successful licence applicants must deposit into the Ministry of Labour’s account within fifteen days of being notified of the requirement. The guarantee must remain valid throughout the licence period and is subject to specific conditions governing its retention and eventual release.

The regulations also impose detailed obligations on licensed recruitment agencies regarding service fees, employment documentation and dealings with overseas recruitment partners. Agencies must comply with approved recruitment charges, avoid collecting unauthorized additional amounts and maintain accurate records of employers, contracts and recruited workers. They are also required to provide periodic recruitment information to the Ministry of Labour and work with approved foreign recruitment entities. The decision establishes procedures for suspending or cancelling licences when agencies violate applicable requirements or fail to meet their responsibilities.

Existing agencies and other entities covered by the decision have been granted three months from its effective date to adjust their operations and comply with the updated rules. The minister may extend this period in accordance with the decision’s provisions. The new framework replaces Ministerial Decision No. 8 of 2005 and supersedes conflicting provisions. Importantly, the QAR 750,000 guarantee applies to approved recruitment agency licence applicants, not individual expatriate workers. The decision should therefore not be misinterpreted as introducing a general residency charge or requiring every worker entering Qatar to pay the specified amount.

Source: Qatar Official Gazette