The State of Qatar has taken a number of step to empower the Qatari workforce, equipping it with the tools and skills required in today’s job market. A number of steps have also been taken to promote employment of Qatari nationals in the private sector. The Cabinet, during its regular meeting yesterday, approved, in principle, a proposal by the Minister of Labor to establish the Qatar award for localisation in the private sector. The proposal comes within the framework of Law No. 12 of 2024 regarding the localisation of jobs in the private sector, and in implementation of the objectives and initiatives set by Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third National Development Strategy 2024-2030. These objectives and initiatives include a workforce ready for the future and empowering citizens and qualifying them to compete in the labor market, with the aim of encouraging positive competition among private sector establishments in the field of localisation, by honoring establishments that have achieved localisation targets and contributed to achieving the Qatar National Vision, and to honor distinguished talents among citizens appointed in the private sector. Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani earlier this year issued a law on localising the private sector jobs. The law aligns with the country’s vision to achieve a high level of human development by investing in this area and creating opportunities for employment and training for Qatari citizens. These initiatives are part of Qatar’s efforts to transform into a knowledge economy by focusing on high-skills jobs. Primary objectives of the law include making the job market attractive to the national workforce, enabling businesses to attract citizens, ensuring job stability for national cadres, skills development of the national workforce, meeting the market’s demand for qualified personnel, and incentivising the private sector to increase the participation of the national workforce. The Ministry of Labour will develop a job nationalisation plan for the private sector by classifying entities based on size, workforce, and job types, with the plan encompassing policies for training, employment, qualification, and university scholarship programmes. Qatar has traditionally attracted a large number of semi-skilled and skilled workers from across the globe, given the country’s fast-paced economic growth and infrastructural development. However, the country’s focus on continuous improvement of the education sector with emphasis on scientific education and skills needed in the fast-evolving business landscapes is yielding positive results, with Qatari nationals now occupying leadership positions across businesses and industries. Establishment of the Qatar award for localisation will go a long way in helping achieve the objectives of the law.
