Hajj Leave in Qatar: Is It 20 Days, Paid or Unpaid?

The official answer is clear

Under Article 83 of Qatar Labour Law No. 14 of 2004, a Muslim worker is entitled to a special leave without remuneration not exceeding 20 days to perform Hajj once during the period of service. The employer determines annually how many workers may take this leave according to work requirements, with priority to the worker who has the longer continuous service when circumstances permit.

So the answer to “Is Qatar Hajj leave 20 days?” is yes — but it is important to add unpaid and once during service.

Why a one-line template is not enough

A worker applying for Hajj leave needs to understand three separate limits:

1. Maximum: up to 20 days.
2. Pay: the statutory Hajj leave is without remuneration.
3. Frequency: once during the worker's service period.

The employer also has a role in determining how many workers can be absent each year because of work requirements.

How to write the request without making unsupported claims

Subject: Request for Hajj Leave

Dear [Manager/HR],

I respectfully request special leave to perform Hajj from [date] to [date], subject to the applicable Qatar Labour Law and the company's scheduling procedure. I understand that this statutory Hajj leave is unpaid and is available once during the service period, subject to the conditions governing the employer's annual approvals. Please confirm the approved dates and any supporting documents required.

Regards,

[Name / Employee Number]

This format is safer than promising that a particular 20-day block will automatically be approved.

Does the law guarantee 20 days for every applicant?

Article 83 sets a maximum of 20 days, but it also says the employer determines the number of workers who may be granted such leave annually according to work requirements. Priority is given to the worker with the longer continuous service when circumstances permit.

That is an important qualification for employees planning travel: the statutory entitlement is not the same as an unconditional promise that every employee can be absent for exactly 20 days on any dates requested.

Private-sector scope matters

The article is based on Qatar's Labour Law. Public-sector employees and other categories governed by separate regimes should not automatically copy the same rule into their leave application.

Common questions

How many Hajj leave days are allowed in Qatar? Up to 20 days under Article 83.

Is Hajj leave paid in Qatar private sector? The Labour Law provision states that it is without remuneration.

How many times can Hajj leave be taken under Article 83? Once during the period of service.

Can an employer refuse the dates? The law gives the employer a role in determining the number of workers who may be granted the leave annually based on work requirements, so approval is not simply a self-selected date range.

Official source

Primary source: Qatar Ministry of Labour, Law No. 14 of 2004 Promulgating the Labour Law, Article 83. The Qatari legal portal Al Meezan also lists the provision as in force.

Disclaimer: This is a general guide. Check the employment category, current employer procedure and official law before making travel commitments.