Qatar launches Moawen for faster, fairer hiring

Qatar has launched Moawen, a digital platform aimed at streamlining the hiring process for domestic workers, in order to enhance service standards within the sector. The Ministry of Labour introduced this first phase of the integrated system, developed with Google's assistance, which guides employers, recruitment agencies, and workers through each stage of the hiring process, from initial application to the worker's start date.

Officials emphasized that Moawen marks a significant labour-market reform and a digital-government milestone, consistent with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third National Development Strategy. Hamad Faraj Dalmouk, Assistant Undersecretary for Migrant Labour Affairs, described Moawen as a "smart" infrastructure initiative designed to make the recruitment process fairer, quicker, and more transparent, while upholding data-driven governance.

He highlighted that empowering individuals through reliable digital tools is crucial in preserving workers' dignity and maintaining public trust in the recruitment ecosystem. For potential employers, the journey commences after obtaining the requisite approvals from the Ministry of Interior. Moawen offers various options for hiring: utilizing an existing connection, inviting specific agencies to submit offers, or reviewing all available proposals from approved firms.

An embedded rating system, driven by employer feedback, provides performance indicators to facilitate the comparison of agencies and assist users in selecting the most suitable option, encouraging providers to enhance their services. Transparency is an inherent aspect of the platform's operation. The system monitors the entire recruitment process, from the employer-agency contract through visa and travel formalities to the worker's arrival and the signing of the official employment contract.

Real-time access to procedures and data enables officials to monitor progress, identify potential delays, and make informed decisions based on accurate and current information. The platform also includes clear contractual obligations, dedicated channels for inquiries and complaints to ensure equitable rights and responsibilities among all parties involved.

In addition to its core hiring function, Moawen connects with government systems to verify information and expedite processing, offers instant notifications on application status, and supports electronic salary transfers to enhance payment transparency. Future iterations of the platform will expand its reach to domestic workers, enabling them to access contract terms and employment details, a comprehensive FAQ library, and an AI-powered chatbot to clarify their rights and obligations.

The ministry affirmed that Moawen serves as the exclusive digital channel for electronic domestic worker recruitment services, with all related procedures to be conducted exclusively through this platform.