Qatar has approved a policy to reduce working hours for Qatari mothers employed in government roles, allowing them to leave two hours before the official end of the day during key academic periods such as mid-year breaks and exam times. The decision, issued via Circular No. (6) of 2025, is part of the state’s broader effort to support work-life balance.
What the New Rule Entails
Under the new directive, mothers who are Qatari nationals or mothers of Qatari children working in government entities may leave two hours earlier than standard closing time during:
- Mid-year school vacations
- Mid-term exam periods (first and second semester)
- End-of-year and mid-year academic examinations
However, the rule does not apply to employees in departments whose operations demand constant presence until standard hours.
The Council of Ministers unanimously approved the measure in its 28th meeting of 2025, based on a proposal by the Civil Service and Government Development Bureau, citing a successful pilot program as evidence.
Background and Rationale
The policy is an extension of ongoing efforts in Qatar to introduce more flexible work practices, especially for citizens balancing professional and family commitments. According to the government, the pilot scheme showed favorable indicators in reducing stress and improving productivity among affected employees.
Advocates argue the change reflects a broader global trend toward adaptive workplace policies suited to family needs. Critics, however, warn of potential operational difficulties in sectors where staffing continuity is essential.
In implementing this measure, Qatar joins other jurisdictions that have adopted differentiated work schedules to support caregivers, mainly mothers, without compromising institutional functionality.
Expert Perspective and Implementation Concerns
Human resources specialists suggest that for this policy to succeed, clear guidelines and proper monitoring systems must accompany it. “Flexibility must be balanced with accountability,” one HR consultant commented.
Some public sector managers have expressed concern over workload distribution during the adjusted hours, especially in service areas with fixed schedules. Others welcome the change as an incentive for more women to remain in government employment longer.
Additionally, exemptions for departments requiring full-time coverage have sparked debate over equity and consistency in application.
What It Means for Workers, Families, and Government
For Qatari working mothers: The new rule offers relief during demanding academic periods, enabling them to better manage family responsibilities such as helping children during exams or school breaks.
For government agencies: Entities will need to plan for staff coverage, especially in essential services, to ensure that operations continue smoothly despite reduced presence from eligible employees.
For broader society: The move may signal a cultural shift, promoting more inclusive employment policies and encouraging retention of female talent in public sectors.
Still, since the policy applies only to government entities and only under specific timing conditions, its direct impact on the private sector workforce is limited for now.
FAQs
A: Qatari mothers and mothers of Qatari children employed in government entities are eligible during academic breaks and exam periods.
A: They may leave two hours early during mid-year vacations, mid-term exams, and end-of-year academic exam periods.
A: No. Employees in departments whose nature of work requires continuous or fixed-time presence are exempt from this policy.
