Doha: Qatar's Amir approved reform of the country's labour laws on Tuesday, state media said.
The Qatar News Agency said Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani had issued a new law overseeing the sponsorship system – which currently only allows workers to leave the country with the approval of their employer – as well as rules which allow workers to switch jobs.
However, the announced changes may not come into force until almost 2017 at the earliest.
QNA said Shaikh Tamim had approved reforms "on the regulation of the entry and exit of expatriates and their residency".
"All concerned authorities, each in their capacity, are to implement the law and it will be applicable one year after its date of publication in the official gazette."
Under the new proposals, workers will be able to leave the country after giving at least three days' notice to the interior ministry.
Officials will then contact the employer or sponsor for approval.
In addition, workers will be allowed to change jobs at the end of a contract, without the consent of their bosses.
Qatar had announced earlier this year that it was committed to reform of the "kafala" system.
However, changes to the laws have been the subject of debate within Qatar itself, with the Shura Council questioning reforms earlier this summer.
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