Doha: Qatar's Ministry of Labour (MoL) has warned that recruitment offices violating licensing regulations or failing to comply with employment contract obligations could face strict penalties, including the suspension or cancellation of their licences.

Dr. Ahmed Mohammed Al-Hatmi, Director of the Work Permits Department, said the ministry has identified violations by a limited number of recruitment offices. These include delays in refunding recruitment fees, submitting inaccurate information for licence applications, operating outside their licensed activities, and failing to cooperate in resolving complaints.

The ministry said it conducts continuous and unannounced inspection campaigns to ensure recruitment offices comply with labour laws, honour contractual obligations, and maintain the required financial guarantees. Offices found in violation must restore their financial guarantees after any deductions resulting from penalties or compensation.

The warning comes as Qatar continues to strengthen labour market regulations through recent legislative reforms aimed at improving compliance, transparency, and dispute resolution. The updated framework also enhances oversight of recruitment offices and introduces measures to support fair competition and better protection for employers, workers, and job applicants.