The Ministry of Labour is working on a job nationalization plan which targets eight strategic sectors including manufacturing, logistics, tourism, IT, finance, education, agriculture, and healthcare. This phased-approach will allow businesses to gradually align with nationalization goals, starting with a foundation phase focused on skills development through sector-specific training programmes. This is followed by a capacity-building phase prioritising the employment of Qatari nationals and children of Qatari women. Finally, the comprehensive transformation phase will ensure a long-term and sustainable shift in the workforce. The plan includes several incentives for Qatari nationals and children of Qatari women in the private sector. These incentives include a salary support programme that covers salaries for Qatari nationals and children of Qatari women to encourage them to join the private sector, as well as support for social allowances, retirement contributions, and social insurance. The plan also offers incentives to private sector employers, such as full coverage of employers’ contributions to the General Retirement and Social Insurance Authority during the first year, with gradual reductions in support thereafter. Other incentives include additional work permits, work permit renewals, and awards for organisations that meet nationalisation targets. Furthermore, the plan will include a series of qualification and training programmes, including a training programme for recent graduates and job seekers, a programme for students at higher education institutions, skills development for high school graduates, leadership preparation for the private sector, and a government scholarship programme to support private sector companies in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education. The nationalization of jobs is in line with Qatar’s Vision 2030, which aims to create opportunities for quality employment and training for all citizens, contributing to human development as a key pillar of national progress. Speaking at an event at QNCC yesterday, Minister of Labour H E Dr. Ali bin Samikh Al Marri has said the nationalization plan would be shaped through consultations with the private sector before being approved by the Cabinet. Dr. Al Marri further clarified that the enactment of the nationalization law for the private sector would propel efforts to attract a national workforce into a highly effective trajectory through the implementation of a comprehensive national programme offering facilities and incentives. In the beginning of this month, the Ministry of Labour also launched the National Strategy for an Effective and Highly Productive Workforce 2024 – 2030.
