Doha Guides Team regularly reviews this article to ensure the content is up-to-date and accurate. The last editorial review and update were on 02 February 2024.
Stuck in a job that isn’t you? Ready for a career change but have no idea what else you could do – or where to start? Here is some good news for you.
According to the updated labour law announced in 2020, all workers in the State of Qatar, whether on fixed-term contracts or open-ended contracts, can change jobs without having to obtain NOC anytime during their contract period.
This article explains the procedure by which expatriate workers can change jobs in Qatar without the need for NOC from their current employer.
- Recent History of Qatar's Labour Reforms
- New Procedure to Change Job in Qatar
- Steps For Terminating Employment and Leaving Qatar
- Notice Period
- Termination During Sponsorship Change
- Probation Period
- End of Service Benefits
- Non-Compete Clause in Labour Contract
- Cost of Return Flight Ticket
- Other Conditions for Changing Job
- Time Period for Change of Job
- Fees for Employer Change
- Important Points to Note
- FAQ on Changing Jobs in Qatar
Recent History of Qatar’s Labour Reforms
Law No 21 of 2015, which deals with expatriates’ entry, exit, and residency, abolished Qatar’s existing Kafala (sponsorship) system, replacing it with a modernised, contract-based system. After Qatar’s new sponsorship law came into force in December 2016, the automatic two-year ban was removed.
In September 2020 Qatar Government announced that an NOC would not be required for employer change, subject to certain conditions. The new law has been published in the official Gazette.
In recent years Qatar’s Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs (ADLSA) launched a series of laws and policies aimed at workers’ well-being, improved conditions, and greater labour mobility. Qatar’s Ministry of Labour (MoL) is now carrying forward the reforms initiated by MADLSA.
New Procedure to Change Job in Qatar
The latest steps to change jobs in Qatar, as explained by the Ministry of Labour (in July 2022), are as follows:
Step 1: The worker applies through the Ministry of Labour e-system
a) The worker wishing for a transfer of sponsorship must download and print the Change Employer Form from the Ministry of Labour (MoL) website.
b) After printing, fill in the “Change of Employer” form with all requested information, and sign the form. The form must also be signed and stamped by the new employer. The new employer’s signature is enough if the worker is changing jobs to work in a private household. Take a picture or scan the filled form.
c) Log in to the Ministry’s electronic portal using the worker’s Qatar ID (QID) number and mobile number, and upload a copy of the signed form. The mobile phone number you use to log in must be linked to your QID. Once you have entered the system, upload the completed and signed form.
NOTE: The date on which you submit the “Change of Employer” form will be the start date of your notice period with your current employer.
- For specialized professions, you should attach a certified copy of the educational qualification and a license of practice from the concerned authorities in the country.
- A health insurance certificate is required if the worker is over 60 years old.
Step 2: Employer Change (EC) number is generated
After submitting the application, an Employer Change (EC) number will appear on the screen. This number confirms that the application has been successfully submitted.
Make a note of the EC number (write it down, take a screenshot, or take a photo). You can use this number in the future to check the status of the application.
Step 3: The Ministry will process the application
The competent department at the Ministry of Labour will process the application. The Ministry may reject an application if the form is not completed correctly or if the new employer does not meet the eligibility to hire new workers. In case the application is incomplete, further information will be requested.
The worker can check the status of his application on the MoL website using his QID and EC number.
Step 4: The worker and employers receive an SMS from the Ministry
After processing the application, text messages (SMS) will be sent from the Ministry to the worker, the old employer and the new employer.
The SMS will also include the notice period to be completed.
- If the worker has worked with the employer for two years or less, the notice period is one month.
- The notice period is two months if the worker has worked with the employer for more than two years.
During the notice period, the worker must continue working with his current employer unless he and his employer have mutually agreed to shorten it.
Step 5: New employer initiates electronic contract
Upon completion of the notice period, the new employer will prepare the multilingual employment contract using MoL’s Digital Authentication System.
This process must be completed within three months from the end of the worker’s notice period. Once all the information is filled out, the new employer will print the employment contract for the worker and the employer to sign. The worker can sign the contract if he/she agrees to its provisions.
- Upon signing the contract, the new employer will upload it to the Ministry’s website for authentication.
- After the employment contract is finalized, the new employer must provide a copy to the employee.
Step 6: Request for new QID
When the contract is authenticated, the new employer should submit a request for a new QID to the Ministry of Interior through Metrash2 or the Ministry of Interior website.
Step 7: Worker starts his/her new job
Once the worker receives a new QID, he/she can start the new job.
NOTE: Both workers and employers can download a copy of the employment contract at any time through the MoL portal.
The steps above apply to private-sector workers covered by Labour Law No. 14 of 2004, agricultural and grazing workers, domestic workers and fishermen.
Steps For Terminating Employment and Leaving Qatar
- Download, the Leave Country Form from the Ministry of Labour website.
- Fill it up and sign
The application will be processed by the competent department at the Ministry of Labour, and a confirmation will be sent by text message within a week of the date of the submission of the application, confirming the required notice period.
Notice Period
If the worker has worked with the employer for two years or less, the notice period is one month. The notice period is two months if the worker has worked with the employer for more than two years.
| Employee’s Service Period | Required Notice Period |
|---|---|
| Two years or less | One month |
| More than two years | Two months |
The employer should continue to pay the wage and other benefits to the worker during the notice period, per the employment contract. The employer must also continue to provide food and accommodation (or the relevant allowances) until the termination date.
What happens if a worker does not honour the notice period?
If a worker terminates his/her contract without observing the notice period, he/she must pay the employer compensation equivalent to his/her basic wage for the notice period or the remaining part of the notice period (if partially completed). This is calculated as an amount equivalent to the basic wage for the remaining part of the notice period.
For example: If the worker’s basic wage is QAR 2,000 per month and the worker stops working two weeks before the end of a one-month notice period, he/she will have to pay his/her employer QAR 1,000 to terminate the contract legally.
NOTE: If the worker leaves Qatar without giving a notification or completing the notice period during the probation period, the worker will not be able to return to work in Qatar for one year.
Can I agree with my current employer not to fulfil my notice period?
You and your current employer can agree not to fulfil the notice period. If this is the case, you can attach a letter signed by you and your current employer.
Signed letters should explicitly state that you and your current employer have agreed not to observe the notice period stipulated by law. When determining the notice period, MoL will consider the mutual agreement.
Termination During Sponsorship Change
Can my current employer cancel my QID after I submit my application to change jobs?
The current employer cannot cancel your QID or file a false absconding case against you once you have submitted your electronic notification through MoL’s electronic notification system.
What can I do if my employer cancels my QID before I submit my application?
If your current employer cancels your QID before submitting your application, you must first submit a complaint through the MoL’s Unified Platform for Complaints and Whistleblowers or by visiting its office.
- Following the Ministry’s review of your complaint, you will need to submit a signed letter in Arabic to the Head of the Labour Relations Department requesting the reactivation of your QID.
- You should include a brief explanation in your letter as to why you requested your QID’s reactivation. Be sure to include your QID and mobile phone number in the letter.
- You should also submit a copy of your QID, the SMS notifying you of the cancellation of your QID, and a copy of the new job offer along with the signed letter.
- Keep a copy of these documents for your records.
- To reactivate your QID, MoL will coordinate with the Ministry of Interior. Your QID status can be checked through Metrash.
- You can apply to change jobs using MoL’s electronic notification system once your QID has been reactivated.
Can I cancel my application to change jobs?
You can cancel your job change application if it is still under review through MoL’s electronic notification system. You can access MoL’s electronic notification system by entering your QID and mobile numbers.
If you wish to cancel your application to change jobs after receiving approval from the Ministry but before your new employment contract has been authenticated, you must submit a written request to MoL.
To cancel your application, you must submit a signed letter in Arabic addressed to the Head of the Labour Relations Department. You should include a brief explanation of why you are cancelling your application, your EC number, a copy of your QID, and your mobile number in the letter.
Probation Period
The employment contract may contain a clause that the worker shall be subject to a probation period agreed upon by both parties. The probation period should not exceed six months from the date of joining, and the worker should not be subject to more than one probationary period with the same employer.
Employer Change During Probation
A worker may terminate the employment contract within the probation period, provided the worker complies with the following:
- The worker must notify the current employer at least one month before leaving the job through MoL’s electronic system.
- The worker’s new employer must compensate the current employer a portion of the recruitment fees and a one-way air ticket at the level agreed to by the current and new employers (not exceeding two months of the current basic wage). The compensation amount should be discussed between the new and old employer.
Termination During Probation
An employer may terminate a worker’s employment contract during the probation period if the employer finds out that the worker is unfit to carry out his/her duties. The employer must notify the worker at least one month before the termination through MoL’s electronic system.
Upon termination of the employment contract, if the worker returns to his/her country, the employer must cover the expenses of the return plane ticket.
End of Service Benefits
If the worker completed at least one year of employment and the contract was not terminated for committing any of the violations described in Article 61 of the Labour Law, the employer must still pay the worker his/her end-of-service benefits, accrued annual leave not taken and any other benefits stipulated by Labour Law No. 14 of 2004 and the signed employment contract.
End of Service Gratuity Calculator in English
If the employer terminates the contract without observing the notice period, he/she must pay the worker compensation equivalent to the worker’s basic wage for the notice period or the remaining duration of the notice period.
Non-Compete Clause in Labour Contract
Employers can only include a non-compete clause in the employment contract if the nature of the employee’s work puts him/her in a position to know the employer’s clients or the business’s secrets.
This means that after the contract termination, the employee cannot compete with the employer or participate in any competing business in the same economic sector. The duration of the non-compete clause cannot exceed one year from the date of leaving employment.
MoL has assured to issue a regulation to clarify further the provisions related to the non-compete clauses.
Cost of Return Flight Ticket
The employer must complete the worker’s repatriation procedures, including bearing the cost of a return air ticket to his/her country of residence within a maximum of two weeks from contract expiration. If the worker joins another employer before leaving the country, the repatriation obligation shall be incumbent upon the new employer.
In cases where the worker terminates the employment contract before its end and plans to leave Qatar while respecting the notice period (outside of the scope of amended Article 51 of the Labour Law), the employer shall cover part of the cost of the return air ticket proportional to the actual employment duration the worker completed out of the entire term of the employment contract.
The employer has the right to claim any charges and costs related to training the workers and obtaining a driving license from the new employer as per the law, which safeguards the rights of the employer and employee.
If I have not been paid my wages, do I still have to give notice before changing jobs?
Suppose the current employer has not fulfilled his/her legal obligations (including payment of wages). In that case, the worker can change jobs without giving any notice per amended Article (51) of the Labour Law. The worker should submit a complaint to the Ministry of Labour.
Other Conditions for Changing Job
- The new employer should have the approval of the same nationality, gender and profession. For example, an “Indian male accountant” who wants to leave his current employer and join another firm can be hired only by a company that has the approval to employ an “Indian male accountant”.
- There should be no restrictions against the new employer to stop the change.
Time Period for Change of Job
If the expatriate has completed the required contract period and has a new job contract and visa, he can immediately come back (even on the next day).
- If there is no job contract, the expatriate has to leave Qatar within a week of cancelling the residence permit.
- In special cases like termination by the employer, MoL may allow expatriates up to three months to find a new job.
When the expatriate has found a new job, he will be required to return to the Ministry and present the new employment contract. Expatriates who do not find work within this period must leave Qatar.
Fees for Employer Change
The employer change service is free of charge for workers and employers.
Important Points to Note
- The new law does not require existing employees to sign new contracts.
- Under the new law, service periods are calculated from the day employees start working for their employer.
- This includes all days of employment accumulated before the implementation of Law No 21 of 2015.
- All prospective expatriate workers can see a copy of their job contract before leaving their country of origin, as obtaining a work visa will now require a job contract approved by MoL.
- Expatriates who leave Qatar and have had their employment and Residency Permit terminated will be able to return to Qatar to take up new employment immediately after being granted a new visa.
- However, this will not be the case for workers who have been found guilty of misconduct whilst working for their previous employer in Qatar. Such workers will face four years ban.
- Employers who have confiscated passports can be fined up to QR 25,000 per worker. When enacted, this will be the toughest financial penalty against passport confiscation within the region.
PLEASE NOTE: The job change process and filling up these forms can confuse some workers. If you are unsure how to proceed, please get this done through a reputed typing centre or PRO. They would be able to guide you on the exact process.
Due to the high volume of applications nowadays, this process reportedly takes several weeks. So please be patient if you do not get a response soon.
For more information, you can contact the Ministry of Labour on the Hotline Number 16008 or send an email to [email protected].
READ NEXT: How To Calculate End of Service Gratuity in Qatar
FAQ on Changing Jobs in Qatar
Can I change my job in Qatar without NOC?
Yes, as per the new law, all employees can change jobs without having to obtain NOC anytime during their contract period.
How long is the notice period before changing employers?
If the worker has worked with the employer for two years or less, the notice period is one month. The notice period is two months if the worker has worked with the employer for more than two years.
Can I just leave Qatar and come back again to start a new job?
No, If you leave Qatar without giving a notification or completing your notice period, you will not be able to return to work in Qatar for one year.
Can my employer terminate me without a notice period?
If the employer terminates the contract without observing the notice period, he/she must pay the worker compensation equivalent to the worker’s basic wage for the notice period or the remaining duration of the notice period.
Can my employer keep my passport without my consent?
No, employers who have confiscated passports can be fined up to QR 25,000 per worker.
Related Articles:
- 11 Easy Ways To File A Labour Complaint in Qatar
- 3 Ways To Easily Check Travel Ban in Qatar
- Qatar Labour Law on Annual Leave and Holidays
- Qatar Labour Law on Working Hours and Overtime
- Wage Protection System WPS Qatar: Complete Guide
- Minimum Wage Law in Qatar: Everything You Need To Know
- Qatar Freelance Visa: Things You Should Know
- How To Find A Job In Qatar: Your Essential Guide
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Applied and received confirmation 15days a go till now no approval. May I know the cause of delay please
Hi William, Nowadays we are seeing a delay in processing some applications, perhaps due to the high number of applications. You can call 40288888 to check further.
Hello.I have such a quection -I communicated with a potential employer and asked if during the probation period(3 mouns)I was not satisfied and I wanted to end the cooperation,the employer said that i would have to pay all expenses(air ticket,visa,medical)and myself buy ticket to come back home.Its right?Thank u
Hi Anna, Yes, It is already explained in the article. If you resign during the probation period, yourself or your new employer has to compensate your old employer for the expenses.
Hi am William, applied for employer change and received confirmation massage on 16th November 2020. It’s now 2 weeks no approval. Please may I know the reason of delay
Hi William, Nowadays we are seeing a delay in processing some applications, perhaps due to the high number of applications. You can call 40288888 to check further.
Hello William,
Did you received approval message. ?
I am also facing same problem.
Still I didn’t received approval message.
Hi my self Asif,
How can i check my status of employer check application? And what time it will taken for getting an approval of application?
Hi Asif, Usually the employee will be notified about the approval within a week of application. In some cases, it may be delayed.
Hii,
But how can i check my status of employers change application?
Hi Ashif, You will receive a text message when the status changes. You can call 40288888 for more information.
I submitted my paper to online to change the company… 12 days ago ..but I didn’t get yet approval..
Is online changing system close? May I know?
Hi Firoz, Nowadays we are seeing a delay in processing some applications. You can call 40288888 to check further.
Hi!Im a kadama i want yo change a new employer im been here 10yrs in qatar.i already apply to aldsa for changing new employer.i receieve a msg frm adlsa.but my employer not yet receive the msg frm adlsa.question if the employer not allow me to change what would i do??hoping someone will response my msg.thankyou!
Hi Geraldine, If your employer has any objection to change of sponsorship, he has to inform the ministry with a valid reason. If he does not respond then your application will be automatically approved.
I have no financial obligations with the current employer, even though they can block or stop me from employer change for any reason?
sir i will need to cancel my application for cheng other company
Hi Sumon, If you have already applied for a change to one company, you have to cancel that to apply for another company.
Hi Sir, I have a friend with the same scenario. may I know the procedure How to cancel? He already applied to the Change company but he decided to join another one. Thanks & Best Regards
Hi Kobe, Please call Ministry Hotline 16008.
Hi Mukesh, If the employer wants to object the transfer, he has to provide the Ministry with a justified and valid reason.
If employee change the job before complete 1 year how his/her Visa transfer ?
Hi PS, Yes the employee can change job even before completing one year – after serving the notice period of one month.
Hi
Im already approved and I am working now in my new company. When i asked about my settlement in my previous employer accounts said i should have ask sign for my clearance to all of our manager and i should submit my resignation letter with the sign of my manager. But my problem is i dont know where they are as our hotel is closed and my other manager went to india.
Hai sir..i just want to know now if i want to change the company.resign paper with seal and sign is required or nost??
Hi Santhosh, We still don’t see such a requirement on the official website.
Hi.. My contract is 5 years aleardy 2 years completed .Am i elligble? to get resignation from my company.My company not giving me resignation. But I need resignation and i want to go home.
Dear Kumar, Yes, you can fill up the “Leave Country Form” and submit through the Ministry website. More details are available in the above article. Please contact any typing centre if you need assistance.
Hi how are you my dear am driving home but my sponsor not good behavior me my ID expire 5monthes but am without promotion going in legal work any solutions
After submission, I got a message from ADLSA showing I requested for employer change. So what will be the next step? When will be my notice period starting?
Will my current employer know about this? If in case my change request rejected it will effect my current job?please assis
Hi Mukesh, Your notice period starts from the date of submitting the request. Your current employer will get a notification about this request. If they object to your employer change they have to give a valid reason.
Hi sir,
I submitted my transfer application on 16 Nov 2020 and got the message with application number on the same time.
1. At the same time will my current employer get notified or not?
2. I downloaded the MADLSA app to check my application status and still it showing the application status as NEW after 1 Week. How long will it take to recieve an approval / rejection message?
3. If i get delayed in recieving the message what should be the next step?
Hi Alias,
1. Yes, your current employer will receive notification about your request.
2. The decision on the application is usually made within a week.
3. If there is no update you can call hotline number 16008.
Dear sir
Osei Daniel Amo is my name, I work with Doha technical lab at masaieed, sir this company Doha technical lab (DTL) terminated me and told me to look for another company to join but sir I get another company for me to join. Sir this New company try process my application for transfer process it means my current company which is Doha technical lab (DTL) is no my process do sir I hereby to request cancelletion from my company Doha technical lab.
Thank you sir.
Osei Daniel Amo
Dear Osei, If you have a new job offer, you can request for change of sponsorship via Ministry website. If you need assistance you can seek the help of any typing centre.
Hi sir I am working in current company for last one year 2 month can I change my job in current company when I joined I gave them NOC but now no need so it is possible I can change with new employer and if new employer apply in my behalf. And one of my colleague applied to change sponsorship but it cancelled the reason is new employer give the basic salry very less so this is also prblm of new employer show in the offer letter basic salry less from the last company as well please reply it’s very urgent. I’m scared to talk my HR if I told them I want to change sponsorship then may be thy make some problem please reply
Hi Kamini, As per the latest rules you can apply for a change of sponsorship without NOC. However, if the new job offer salary is much less than the existing salary, there is a chance that your application may be rejected. It doesn’t make sense that someone would want to leave a job for a lesser salary. If you have a good job offer you can definitely try to change.
Hi Sir, I submitted my document on 15-Nov-2020 and its now 2weeks completed but still I did not received approval message. I have submitted my application after I already resigned and completed my notice period to my current employer.
I have also attached my acceptance of Resignation to the document I submitted.
Now I am waiting for the approval.
what should I do. Please help me with this situation.
Thank you
Hi Samir, Nowadays we are seeing a delay in processing some applications. You can call 40288888 to check further.
Hello, I am working in a private company since 2019 January on an unlimited contract base. Can i change my employer normally, because contract mentioning unlimited.
Hi Mukesh, Yes, now you can change irrespective of contract type.
Good morning sir/madam, i have been in my company for 2 years and 6 months ,my ID expired 6 months back i have been tracking checking no renewal of it yet ,and i checked my company didn’t put my contract online i changed i have no contract signed with my company and was given over 3 contracts in a period of 2 years but non of them was in the system when i checked online, can i still be able to tranfer to new company even with no valid ID and with no contact with my company???
Hi Mariam, Yes, you can still apply for a change if the contract is not on the system. But your old company might be asked for an explanation as your QID expired 6 months back. It is their responsibility to renew your QID on time.
Good afternoon.
If I complete two contract with my company but I want to change my sponsorship, am I eligible for getting air ticket fee though I don’t want to fly to my home country instead changing to another company.
Will the old company give money that is supposed to be for tickets as agreed in contract he pay ticket fee while am going back to my country. Thanks for your reply
Hi Polly, This will depend on your company policy as well as what is written in your contract. Normally the employer is bound to provide return ticket only, not the ticket fare in cash.
Hi
Please I received approval from the ministry please will I still resign from the from the new company after the approval
Hi, Your question is not clear. Are you looking to move to a third company after approval to change sponsorship?
Hi,I received an approval from the ministry bit the new company is asking for;computer card,municipal license,old contract and a copy of commercial registration from the old company.After calling my company they said I give a resignation letter and then I wait for them to decide whether they will let me go or they will tell me to exit the company.Now I’m confused because I don’t know what to do and my notice period is ending on 3/12/2020.please help
Hi Veronica, If you have already received the change of employer approval from the Ministry, why does your new company need these documents?
I am planning to leave my current employer, and I would like to know whether they have the chance to stop me or cancel my residency permit?
My details…
my contract is 2 years, in May 2019.
my work is as Project Manager
so far I don’t have any work-related violation
I am eyeing for a client company to transfer
but not with the same position or scope of the job
what is the possibility that I can transfer peacefully?
Are there any chances they can still hold me?
Your response will be a high value that I can refer to…
Thank you, & more power.
Hi, If you have a new job offer, you can request for change of sponsor via Ministry website. If the company wants to reject that request they have to provide a solid reason. If there are no work-related violations your transfer should be fine.
Hi ,I submitted my documents in the last two weeks but still I haven’t received the approval .My new company has been calling me asking if I got the approval. It has now been two weeks.What should I do. please help
Hi Veronica, You can try calling on the hotline number 16008.
Hi, I submitted request to change employer but it’s now two weeks.
But I have not received notification message. What should I do.
Can I cancel the request and apply again thank you
Hi Mathias, You can try calling on the hotline number 16008.
Any status now ..you got message or not? Even I’m waiting.
Hi.. I am a domestic helper here for almost 3 years. My contract is already finished. I would just like to ask if I can exit to another country ( not in my origin country) or let’s just say that I can go cross-country?
Hi Anne, Once your visa is cancelled you can leave to any country.
Hi i came to qatar before year ago after completing one year me and 2 of my friends decide to join another company.
But my current company cancelled my Qatar id i didn’t knew that they cancelled it without informing but me and my friends still working for this company and we can’t change company because our id cancelled we don’t wanna leave qatar we want work in Qatar with a good company we already found one.
I want to know can we still change our sponsorship ? If can what we need to do.
Please help us
Thank you.
Hi Lahiru, Since your QID is already is cancelled, you are not obliged to work for the old sponsor. As per the new law you do not need NOC from the old sponsor. Your new company can check your current status with Labour and proceed with a new contract.
Thank you for replying i want know one more thing my company terminated me now can i come back to qatar after leaving qatar.
Hi Lahiru, Normally there is no ban on people who left the country unless your sponsor has filed a case against you.
Hi im Carina, im now 8 months domestic helper here at qatar, at march 12,2021 my Id will be expired so before it happened there is any posibility that i can change job? even i signed 2yrs contract? im really upset for the domestic workers situation here at qatar, not everyone are following the contract and saying that contract is only for formality, this is Alarming, and makes more problem, if you will look back for the previous cases about job problem you may notice that domestic workers are the problematic work at middle east because they tolerate the not following contract routine, for example at my cases I dont have any copy of my contract, at my first week before i go to my employer house the agency told me the sign a paper written only at arabic (which is not fair) then i found out that the paper was a letter claiming that i permitted my employer to hold my passport, i signed it because they told me my employer will not get me if i will not sign it. Lol
The other thing is we work for 6 am to 2pm(7hrs i already minus the eating break) then back at 4pm to 11pm (7hrs) or some times we dont have any break and we work for almost 14-17hrs a day. but in the policy we should work only 10-12hr a day, we also dont have Day off everyweek which we should have as written at the contract, we also dont have any healthcard, insurance, dental etc, before i fall down to staircase but my employer didnt do anything about it, she also Accusing us without any basis and sometimes saying abusive words which is not right.
At changing job they requiring us to attach the old Contract copy but how we can do it if we dont have it since first day and do you think there is any possible chance that i can change job even im just only 8 months here and signed a 2yrs contract at my boss? Thank you.
Hi Carina, Sorry to hear about your situation. Domestic workers are also included under the new law. The good news is that requirement for the old contract is often relaxed in some cases. If you have a new job offer you can try to apply for a change of job even without the old contract.
You should also know that it is illegal for the employer to keep hold of an employee’s passport. You can contact Ministry helpline 16008 for more information.