QUESTION: Please  explain the law on workers’ compensation and medical expenses. In case of injury during the course of employment, is it mandatory to bear the expenses of the treatment and to compensate the injured employee as per law? Shall we waive this benefit, considering the company’s financial difficulties? Is there any exception to the rule? 
KJ, Doha


ANSWER: The employees are legally entitled for medical care and compensation for injury sustained, and such benefits, as per the labour law, shall not be waived on any grounds. As per Article 109, the worker who sustains a work injury shall be entitled to receive medical treatment appropriate to his condition at the cost of the employer in accordance with the decision of the competent medical authority. 
The worker shall receive full wage during the treatment period or the period of six months whichever is nearer. If the treatment continues for a period exceeding six months, the worker shall be paid half of his wage until his recovery or proof of his permanent disability or death whichever is nearer. If any worker sustains injury by an accident arising out of or in the course of employment, he shall be entitled for compensation for injury to be determined as set forth in the schedule annexed to the Labour Laws. 
If it is evident that the employee deliberately inflicts injury on himself in order to receive such compensation or medical leave, then the employee shall not be entitled for compensation or medical leave and shall be liable for criminal charges. 
The compensation is not payable to the employee, if he inflicts the injury due to serious and wilful misconduct, or if he was under the intoxication of alcohol or drugs, or if he acted violating the instructions of the employer concerning the preservation of vocational health or safety. 
If the worker without genuine cause refuses to undergo the treatment prescribed by the competent authority shall not be entitled for the compensation or such other benefits. 


A promissory note is a legal instrument

Q: When my friend was facing money problems, I extended him financial support. It was agreed that he would repay me from the profit of the business. But he is still not in a position to make the payment. But he is willing to make a promissory note, acknowledging his liability. How far is a written acknowledgement promising repayment of a personal loan valid under the law? Is it possible to take any legal action against him with the document? There is a chance that he may leave the country.
DK, Doha

A: A promissory note is a legal instrument in which the issuer promises in writing to pay a determinate sum of money to the payee either at a fixed or determinable future time or on demand of the payee. In the event of a non-payment, the law allows the payee recourse against the issuer. 
According to Article 405 of the Civil and Commercial Procedure law, the payee may move the court to ban the issuer from travelling outside the country for reasons, such as the payee/creditor fears that the debtor may escape from litigation or smuggle his assets. Debtor/issuer can appeal the order and request lifting it on repayment or by providing sufficient guarantees. They can also request lifting this ban if there are compelling reasons for travel.

Criminal complaint over blank cheques
Q: I have taken a bank loan and instalments are  made without any dues. My company has just terminated me due  to some problems with the management but it has given me NOC for visa transfer. I reported the developments to the bank but still it has filed a case against me based on blank cheques issued during availing of the loan. Now I am unable to transfer the visa for a new employment because of the case. Can I defend the case as the cheque is a blank one? 
LD, Doha

A: The bank has the right to file a criminal complaint by virtue of the cheque deposited with the bank in order to claim the outstanding amount. In the matter of blank cheque and stop payment, by endorsing a blank cheque with signature and handing it over to the beneficiary, the drawer of the cheque has effectively granted the beneficiary unqualified authority to fill in the amount. The court may issue its judgment even in the defaulter’s absence and the person will become a defaulter. Therefore, seek settlement with the bank to avoid issues and to transfer the visa.

Lessor refuses to accept rent
Q: We have leased an apartment in a building from a company which is engaged in real estate business. But most of the tenants have vacated from the premises and the lessor has started  to increase the rent  to compensate the loss even without any valid contract. I don’t agree with the revised rent amount.  I have a valid contract  until December 2017. The lessor refuses to accept the rent. What are my options?
GT, Doha 

A: The rent must be paid within seven days from its due date. In instances where the lessor refuses to accept the rent, the tenant can pay the money to the Rental Committee and inform the lessor by registered post. Nonpayment of rentals within the time stipulated is a sufficient reason for the lessor to get the lease contract terminated. 

*Please send your questions by e-mail to: leges@qatar.net.qa (Mobile:55813105)