Qatar Cancels Recruitment Office Licence Over Violations: What Workers and Families Should Know
Qatar's Ministry of Labour closed the Al Luluah recruitment office and cancelled licence No. 638 on 21 October 2026 for breaking recruitment rules and ignoring complaints.
QatarIn brief
- Qatar's Ministry of Labour closed the Al Luluah (Pearl) recruitment office and cancelled its licence, No. 638, on 21 October 2026.
- The ministry said the office broke recruitment regulations, ignored ministry decisions and did not cooperate in settling complaints.
- The cancellation was made under Minister of Labour Decision No. 47 of 2026.
- Complaints can be raised with the ministry on its hotline, 16505.
| Country | Qatar |
|---|---|
| Organization | Qatar Ministry of Labour |
| Official source | Qatar Tribune – report on the Ministry of Labour decision ✓ qatar-tribune.com |
Qatar's Ministry of Labour has shut down a licensed recruitment office and cancelled its licence, a reminder that agencies bringing workers into the country can lose their right to operate if they ignore the rules or leave complaints unresolved.
The ministry announced on Wednesday, 21 October 2026, that the Al Luluah (Pearl) office for recruiting workers, holding licence No. 638, had been closed. Local reports describe it as an office recruiting domestic workers.
The decision at a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Authority | Qatar Ministry of Labour |
| Office | Al Luluah (Pearl) recruitment office |
| Licence number | 638 |
| Action | Office closed and licence cancelled |
| Legal basis | Minister of Labour Decision No. 47 of 2026 |
| Announced | 21 October 2026 |
| Complaints hotline | 16505 |
Why the licence was cancelled
The ministry gave three reasons:
- Breaking the rules that govern recruitment activity and services.
- Not following decisions issued by the ministry.
- Failing to cooperate in settling complaints from its clients.
No fines were mentioned. The ministry said the step is meant to tighten compliance and protect the rights of people who use recruitment services, and that it will keep acting against offices that break the rules.
What it means for workers and households
- Clients with open cases at this office should contact the ministry rather than wait for the office to respond.
- Workers recruited through an agency keep the protections of Qatar's labour rules, including the minimum wage of QAR 1,000 plus allowances and on-time salary payment.
- Complaints matter. The case shows the ministry treats unresolved complaints as a reason to act against an office, so it is worth reporting problems formally.
Tips before you use a recruitment office in Qatar
- Ask for the licence number and confirm it with the Ministry of Labour before paying anything.
- Get a written contract that states the fees, the timeline and what happens if the placement fails.
- Pay through traceable methods and keep every receipt.
- Report problems early by calling 16505, and keep copies of messages with the office.
- Workers should never hand over money to secure a job. If someone asks you for recruitment fees, treat it as a warning sign, as explained in our guide to spotting fake Gulf job offers.
If you already work in Qatar and want to move on, see our guide to changing jobs in Qatar without an NOC.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
Which recruitment office did Qatar close in October 2026?
The Al Luluah (Pearl) office for recruiting workers, licence No. 638. The Ministry of Labour announced the closure on 21 October 2026.
Why was the Al Luluah recruitment office closed?
The ministry cited breaches of the rules on recruitment activity, failure to follow ministry decisions and failure to cooperate in resolving complaints.
How do I complain about a recruitment office in Qatar?
You can contact the Ministry of Labour directly on the hotline 16505.
Apply only through the official source.
Open official notice →TheJobSeek never charges for jobs and is not a recruitment agency. If anyone asks you to pay for a job offer or visa in the name of this article, it is a scam.
