Qatar in the recent years has become one of the most sought after destinations for work for many expats. Both men and women from foreign countries arrive in Qatar to make an honest living and at the same time contribute towards the development of Qatar.

In comparison to some Middle East countries Qatar is pretty tolerant when it comes to women in the workforce. Women’s empowerment in Qatar cannot be embodied better by anybody else other than HH Sheikha Moza Bint Nasser. There are more women in the workforce in Qatar than in any other Middle Eastern country, this makes Qatar an attractive place for expat women as well from around the world. Another reason why many women are flocking to Qatar is Qatar Airways, ambitious women from many developed countries come to Qatar to join the cabin crew of the world’s best airline. However, as it happens that people do not know everything about a place they are new to, so today we bring you a list of things every new expat woman in Qatar must know about.

1.Dressing modestly is very important as dressing otherwise will be inferred as disrespectful towards the country’s customs, traditions and religion. Dressing in a manner that can be deemed immodest, can land you in jail for six months or make you pay a fine of up to QR3, 000 or both. In fact, Article 57 of Qatar’s constitution says, “The respect of the Constitution, compliance with the laws issued by Public Authority, abiding by public order and morality, observing national traditions and established customs is a duty of all who reside in the State of Qatar or enter its territory.”

2.Kissing and hugging in public places between members of the opposite sexes is frowned upon and such actions are considered offensive and detrimental to Qatar’s culture and values, individuals could be detained and/or prosecuted if laws are broken. According to Article 294 of Qatar’s Penal Code, “Whoever instigates debauchery, dissipation or adultery in public through words, gestures or any other means shall be liable to a prison term of no less than six months and not exceeding three years”.

3.Article 270 of the Penal Code states that whoever drinks any alcoholic beverages in a public place or opens a store or a house to trade in alcoholics shall be punished with imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months and/or a fine not exceeding QR3000.

4.Employment of expats in Qatar would now be entirely governed by contracts.

5.The post-residency restrictions have been scrapped, the previous restrictions imposed a two-year ban on a new work visa; such restrictions will no longer be legal.

6.No approval from former employer if he is recruited by a new employer.

7.Worker who has got a new contract to work in Qatar can come back even on the next day.

8.Exit permit will not be required for travel it will become invalid with enforcement of new law.

9.A working woman shall be paid a wage equivalent to the wage payable to a man if she performs the same work and shall be availed of the same opportunities of training and promotion. (Article 93)

10.Women shall not be employed in dangerous arduous works, works detrimental to their health, morals or other works to be specified by a Decision of the Minister. (Article 94)

12.No employer can terminate the service contract of a female worker due to her marriage or for availing the maternity leave to which she is entitled by law (Article 98)

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