Qatar Ministry of Labour Launches Moawen Platform for Domestic Workers
Doha, September 11, 2026: The Qatar Ministry of Labour has introduced 'Moawen', a new official government digital platform designed to centralize and streamline the domestic worker recruitment process.
- The platform integrates agency selection, worker choice, interviews, recruitment cost negotiation, contract signing, payments, visa processing, and worker arrival tracking into a single digital channel.
- Employers must first obtain a domestic worker recruitment visa approval via the Ministry of Interior’s METRASH system.
- The Ministry of Labour has designated Moawen as the sole official and approved electronic channel for recruitment.
Visa Approval and Getting Started
Once approved, the application typically reflects on the Moawen platform within 24 working hours. Users can then log in using the National Authentication System (NAS).
Moawen offers three primary recruitment options: selecting a known worker, requesting offers from licensed recruitment agencies, or browsing available offers from approved agencies. The platform includes an agency rating system based on employer experiences to foster competition and regulatory monitoring. Employers can schedule interviews and negotiate recruitment costs directly on the platform to ensure transparency.
Contracts, Payments, and Tracking
Contracts are signed digitally, and recruitment fees are processed electronically. The platform provides real-time notifications to track the journey from agreement to the worker’s arrival.
After a visa is issued via METRASH, employers must schedule an appointment at a Qatar Visa Centre (QVC) and record the details in Moawen. Once the worker arrives and a residence permit is issued, QID details are automatically updated on the platform.
Important Warnings and Future Features
Authorities warned against unofficial social media advertisements or websites claiming affiliation with Moawen. In early September, the Ministry published a list of 221 registered manpower and recruitment companies to assist residents in verifying licensed operators.
Future phases of the platform will provide domestic workers with direct access to view contract details and employment terms. Plans also include an AI-powered chatbot to assist workers in understanding their rights and obligations. Additionally, the platform supports electronic salary transfers to increase payment transparency and assist in resolving potential disputes. Indian expatriates and other residents are advised to verify agency registrations and avoid sharing personal information or making payments through unofficial channels. Moawen can be accessed at moawen.mol.gov.qa.