Kenyan Agencies to Pay More Recruiting Kenyans to Work in Qatar

Qatar has introduced new rules requiring recruitment agencies to put down a financial guarantee of about KSh 26.8 million before they can receive licences to bring foreign workers into the country, a change that could affect Kenyans seeking jobs in the Gulf state.

The directive, contained in Minister of Labour Decision No. 61 of 2026, was published in Issue No. 20 of the Official Gazette on Sunday, October 25.

Under Article 6, an applicant whose licence application is approved must pay QR750,000 into the Ministry of Labour’s account within 15 days of being notified.

The money is not a short-term payment. It must stay valid for the whole licensing period, and even when a licence expires or is revoked, it cannot be returned until one year has passed.

Agencies must also prove that they have suitable housing for workers. Applicants must submit a lease agreement or proof of ownership of the premises, which will house recruits after they arrive until their employers collect them or they are sent back. Ministry officials will inspect the property.

The decision sets eligibility conditions too. Individual applicants must be Qatari nationals aged at least 21, with no convictions for offences involving dishonour or breach of trust, and must not own or be a partner in another recruitment office.

Companies must be established under Qatar’s commercial companies law, with all capital owned by Qatari nationals and a full-time manager in charge. Owners, partners and managers face restrictions linked to certain convictions and bankruptcy.

For jobseekers, the deposit applies to the agencies and not to individual workers. It should not be confused with recruitment charges or visa payments demanded from candidates.

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