The Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs (MADLSA) has urged all employers to open bank accounts for their domestic workers.

The directive is based on the keenness of Qatar to provide banking services to all segments of the society, including domestic workers.

Earlier Qatar Central Bank had issued a circular regarding opening accounts and ensuring banking services for domestic workers.

MADLSA, though its official website, has clarified opening bank accounts will be free of charge and would not require to meet any financial consideration. It will be carried through banking applications without the requirements of maintaining a minimum balance.

The ministry also advised employers on the importance of educating workers on how to use the application to conduct banking operations.

Two of the most important benefits of the new step are that it would facilitate easy transfer of the worker's salary to their accounts and that it would help workers transfer funds electronically to their accounts in their home countries. Also it helps them pay for their expenses, use the debit card for purchases and withdrawals from ATMs.

Banks are keen to provide these electronic services in safe and secure ways to protect customers' data and money.

The circular by the Qatar Central Bank says that the employer should cancel the worker’s bank card immediately after the end of the contract period. The remaining balance in the account will be paid to the worker.

In order to ensure safety and adhere to the instructions of the Ministry of Public Health, the worker’s card will be sent by mail to the employer’s home without the need to visit the branch. This is part of Qatar's efforts to preserve the health of everyone during this crisis.