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The Ministry of Labour organised the second consultative session on September 29 to engage with leaders from companies listed on the Qatar Stock Exchange regarding the Private Sector Nationalisation Plan, Qatar News Agency reported. Minister of Labour Dr. Ali bin Samikh Al Marri chaired the meeting, which included chief executive officers and senior management representatives from those firms. This gathering builds upon the initial session held the previous day with state-owned companies and public-benefit entities. The discussions centred on practical ways to apply the nationalisation law while addressing sector-specific obstacles.
According to the minister, listed companies play a vital role in the national economy and stand as essential partners for meeting the plan’s objectives. He outlined key elements of the initiative, which encompass establishing nationalisation targets tailored to different establishment categories and economic sectors. The plan also involves introducing a Nationalisation Award to recognise high-performing organisations and Qatari employees. Such measures form part of a comprehensive framework designed to boost Qatari employment in the private sector.
Private sector entities face several defined obligations under the plan, the minister explained during the session. These include updating employee data for both Qatari and non-Qatari staff on a six-month basis, certifying internal regulations and employment contracts, and ensuring all salaries flow through the Wage Protection System. Companies must additionally utilise the Basher platform, report all appointments and terminations to the ministry, and achieve their assigned nationalisation and employment goals.
The Ministry of Labour assumes responsibility for notifying establishments in advance of the law’s requirements, detailing potential violations for non-compliance, and offering incentive packages to support adherence. It will also specify any limitations applicable to private sector operations and conduct a formal review of the nationalisation plan two years after its launch to evaluate effectiveness, a ministry statement indicated. Sector regulators will align targets with industry conditions, incorporate nationalisation criteria into licensing and oversight processes, and provide regular compliance reports.
Continued consultation with private sector representatives constitutes a fundamental aspect of the nationalisation strategy, a ministry assessment found. This approach seeks to foster collaboration in developing solutions that overcome implementation hurdles while advancing the broader goal of greater national workforce participation. The sessions reflect ongoing commitment to dialogue among government, regulators and businesses.
The Private Sector Nationalisation Plan aligns with Qatar’s Third National Development Strategy, which positions the private sector as a main driver of sustainable and diversified growth, according to official statements. In a related development, the ministry recently announced 22 winners of the inaugural Qatar Private Sector Nationalisation Award 2026, highlighting achievements across multiple sectors and underscoring the emphasis on recognising excellence in employing and developing Qatari talent. That award attracted more than 400 applications, demonstrating widespread interest in the nationalisation objectives.
