Qatar just took a major step to protect domestic workers, here's what you should know

In a major step forward, Qatar's Emir has signed legislation that will add significant legal protections for the emirate's domestic workers. 

While Doha tossed its kafala system last year and introduced a new labor law to govern foreign workers, domestic workers were not included. Now, with the signing of Law No. 15 of 2017, foreign nannies, gardeners, drivers and maids will see a significant boost in their legal protections.

Qatar's estimated 200,000 to 300,000 domestic workers formerly had few legal protections against exploitation. Now a clear set of regulations will guard these laborers against abusive employers.

Here's what you should know. 

Previously, employers were not required to give domestic workers a written contract. Now, both the employee and the employer will be required to have copies of a written document, laying out the work requirements and conditions.

This means workers will now be able to file legal complaints against their employers with the labor ministry. 

Domestic workers will also be required to work only 10 hours a day, with a meal included as well as breaks for worship and rest. Each week, they will be guaranteed one day off. 

Yearly, they must be given three weeks of paid vacation, and a round-trip ticket to their home country must be provided by their employers.

Employers must provide adequate healthcare, accommodation and clothing for their workers. Workers will also be given paid sick leave if necessary. 

Age requirements have also been set for domestic workers, requiring them to be between 18 and 60. Exceptions can be made for elderly workers, if requested from the labor ministry.

While some employers formerly docked the fees charged by recruiters from domestic workers wages, this will no longer be tolerated. Additionally, the law requires employers to ensure workers' dignity, and protects workers against physical and psychological abuse.

Although it may seem like a given, the law also stipulates that domestic workers must receive their salaries on time at the end of each month. When an employee's service comes to an end, employers are required to pay them three weeks salary for every year of service as a farewell bonus.

Violations of the new law can result in fines ranging from 5,000  to 10,000 Qatari riyals (approximately $1,360 to $2,720). 

Qatar's law is an important step to protect the basic rights of domestic laborers. However, other regional countries need to take similar steps to protect workers as well.

Migrant Rights points out that domestic workers in Gulf countries "generally lack basic labor rights because protective legislation either does not exist or is not enforced."

While Bahrain has made some reforms, similar to Qatar. Other countries have been slow to follow. Rights groups have pointed to high rates of abuse, suspicious death and suicide among domestic workers in Arab countries.

But for the workers in Qatar, things have definitely just improved.

"For sure, this law is progressive and goes along the way toward more reform that will protect the rights and interests of people working in Qatar," Saad Sultan al-Abdulla, director of international cooperation at Qatar's National Human Rights Committee, told Al Jazeera.