Qatar Annual Leave: 21 Days
Qatar Labour Law guarantees paid annual leave for all workers. The minimum is 3 weeks per year, increasing to 4 weeks after 5 years of service. Qatar also provides Hajj leave and generous public holiday entitlements. Here is the full picture.
Your Leave Entitlement
Under 5 years: 3 weeks (21 calendar days) paid annual leave per year.
After 5 years: 4 weeks (28 calendar days) paid annual leave per year.
Hajj leave: One-time 2 weeks (14 days) for Muslim workers after 5 years of service. Unpaid unless contract specifies otherwise.
Public holidays: Workers are entitled to paid public holidays including Qatar National Day, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and other designated dates.
Rules Your Employer Must Follow
Leave must be granted within the year it accrues — cannot be indefinitely postponed
Full salary must be paid before the leave period starts (Article 79)
If employer requires work during leave, pay is 150% plus rescheduled leave
Employer provides return ticket to home country for annual leave once per year
Important: Public holidays that fall during annual leave do not count as leave days. If Eid falls during your vacation, those days are added back. Sick days during annual leave are also not counted as leave if supported by a medical certificate.
Cash-Out on Termination
When you leave Qatar — whether by resignation, termination, or contract completion — your employer must pay cash compensation for all unused annual leave days. This is calculated at your last basic daily salary rate. The payment is separate from and in addition to end-of-service gratuity (3 weeks salary per year of service).
Frequently Asked Questions
How many leave days do I get?
21 days under 5 years, 28 days after 5 years. Plus Hajj leave (14 days, one-time) for Muslim workers after 5 years.
Can my employer deny leave?
They can schedule timing but cannot deny it entirely. Must be granted within the year it accrues.
Do I get Hajj leave?
Muslim workers with 5+ years service: 14 days one-time Hajj leave. Unpaid unless contract says otherwise.
Do I get paid for unused leave when leaving?
Yes. All unused days are compensated at your last basic daily rate. Separate from end-of-service gratuity.
Verify Your Leave Entitlement
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