No — expat workers do not have to pay court fees when filing labour claims in Qatar. Article 10 of Qatar Labour Law (Law No. 14 of 2004) states clearly that lawsuits filed by workers or their heirs to claim worker benefits under the law or their employment contract must be executed promptly and free from judicial fees. This applies to all stages of the legal process.
This is a deliberate policy to remove financial barriers that might prevent lower-income workers from pursuing legitimate claims. Whether you are claiming unpaid wages, end-of-service gratuity, or other contractual entitlements, you should not be charged fees to file or progress your case through the labour courts.
The recommended first step before going to court is to file a complaint with the Ministry of Labour's Labour Dispute Resolution Department, which will attempt to mediate between you and your employer. If mediation fails, your case can be referred to the labour courts — still without fees. Keep records of all communications, contracts, payslips, and working hours, as this documentation will be essential to support your claim.
This is general legal information, not legal advice. For advice on your specific situation, consult a lawyer licensed in Qatar.