How to Change Sponsorship in Qatar Without NOC
Thanks to Qatar’s progressive labor reforms, expatriate workers now have the flexibility to change sponsorship without needing a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their current employer. This streamlined process is part of Qatar’s efforts to improve labor mobility and protect workers’ rights in line with international standards. Whether you’re an individual employee or a company representative, this article will guide you step-by-step through the process.
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How to Change Sponsorship in Qatar Without NOC
Changing your employer or sponsor in Qatar without a NOC is now possible through the Ministry of Labour’s online portal. Follow these steps to submit your request: [1]
- Go to the Ministry of Labour’s official portal “From Here“
- Access the “Service of Notification of Change of Employer” page.
- Click on the “Apply” Icon at the bottom of the page.
- Select the Labors and Individuals Portal.
- Log in and proceed to the notification of change of employer service from your user account.
- Follow the on-screen instructions:
- Fill in all required personal and job-related information
- Upload necessary documents
- Submit the application and wait for approval from the Ministry of Labour.
Conditions for Changing Sponsorship Without NOC
To be eligible for a sponsorship change, the following conditions must be met:
- The worker must not have any active bans preventing the change of employer.
- There should be no pending sponsorship change request already in process.
- The employee must hold a valid work residency (not family or student residency).
- The new employer must be eligible to use the service and not face any restrictions.
- Establishments must have an active Establishment ID (EID).
- The worker’s mobile number must be registered under their QID.
Requirements for Changing Sponsorship Without NOC
Here’s what you’ll need to complete the process:
- For Individuals (Workers):
- Must apply jointly with the new employer.
- All parties (worker, old employer, and new employer) must have a registered national address.
- Individuals must be registered with the National Authentication System (NAS).
- If not registered, they must register via the NAS link and ensure their phone number is linked to their QID.
- For Establishments (Companies):
- Must use a smart card to verify the identity of the authorized signatory.
- Only the authorized signatory can access the service on behalf of the company.
- The company must have a valid and active commercial registration and EID.
Conclusion
Changing your job or sponsorship in Qatar no longer depends solely on your current employer’s approval. With the updated system, workers have greater freedom and legal protection when transitioning between jobs. By using the Ministry of Labour’s online portal and meeting all terms and requirements, you can easily change sponsorship in Qatar without a NOC.
Questions & Answers
No, in most cases, a NOC is no longer required to change jobs or sponsorship in Qatar due to recent labor law reforms.
Yes, you can change your sponsorship without a NOC if you meet the legal requirements set by the Ministry of Labour.
Submit a job change request through the Ministry of Labour website or Metrash app, with your new employer initiating the application.
Not usually—Qatar’s updated labor rules allow workers to transfer without NOC, provided notice periods and legal procedures are followed.
Apply for job transfer via Metrash or the Ministry of Labour portal; your new employer must submit a contract and application for the transfer.
You must have completed your probation period and provide proper notice, usually one month if you've worked less than two years.
No, under the new rules, your employer cannot prevent you from changing jobs after the probation period, as long as the legal process is followed.
There may be administrative or processing fees, typically handled by the new employer during the application process.
Yes, but the new employer may be required to compensate the current employer for recruitment costs.
The process can take a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on how quickly documentation is submitted and approved.