Search Results for: Qatar

QATAR: Visa-Free Entry Introduced for 80 Nationalities

August 16, 2017

On 9th August 2017 Qatar announced that, effective immediately, nationals of 80 countries can enter the country visa-free for stays of up to 30 days or 90 days. Who Qualifies? The 34 countries whose nationals can obtain a multiple-entry visa on arrival for stays of up to 90 days, valid for 180 days from the […]

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QATAR: Several Middle Eastern Countries Sever Diplomatic Ties

June 5, 2017

Six Middle Eastern countries, including three Gulf Corporation Council (GCC) Member States, have severed their diplomatic ties with Qatar with immediate effect, citing Qatar’s alleged promotion of extremism and terrorism and a need to ‘preserve (their) national security’. The following countries have announced their withdrawal from diplomatic relations with Qatar: Saudi Arabia The United Arab […]

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QATAR: New Sponsorship Law Implemented

January 26, 2017

A new sponsorship law which came into effect at the end of last year (Law No 21 of 2015) will facilitate the changing of jobs and processing of residence permits for certain residents. Law No 1 of 2017 was issued?

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QATAR: Government Abolishes “Kafala” Labour System

December 16, 2016

Qatar has formally announced the end of its labour sponsorship system that requires foreign workers to seek their employer's permission to change jobs or leave the country. The Kafala system was introduced as a way to monitor foreign workers, with…

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QATAR: New Driving Licence Procedure for Expats

January 4, 2016

Qatar"s traffic department has issued a directive to end the conversion of expatriates from other GCC countries into Qatari driving licences. This privilege will now be available to GCC citizens only. Direct driving tests for holders of licences issued in…

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QATAR: New Immigration Law

December 23, 2015

New Immigration Laws in Qatar are being put forward in order to regulate the entry, exit and residency of expatriates in the region. Whilst there is no fixed implementation date for these policy changes as of yet, reports suggest that…

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QATAR: Health Insurance for all Expats Starting in 2016

November 17, 2015

Qatar's Social Medical Insurance Scheme (Seha) provides mandatory health insurance coverage, through a network of public and private providers, and forms a key component in the realisation of the National Health Strategy and the overall Qatar National Vision 2030. Seha was…

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QATAR: Migrant Worker Labour Force Reforms

November 12, 2015

Qatar has announced new proposals that have been introduced in an effort to improve workers conditions in the Middle Eastern state. Qatar currently employs a "Kafala" system, a system used in the construction and domestic sectors of Middle Eastern nations.…

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QATAR: New Wages Protection System Introduced

September 25, 2015

On 18th August, The Qatar Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs introduced the Wage Protection System (WPS). This is thought to specifically protect those working in the Private Sector on 2022 World Cup-related projects. The WPS is an electronic system controlled…

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Qatar Phases in New Residence Cards

July 23, 2015

With effect from 15th June 2015, the Qatari government has begun phasing in a new form of residence card to replace previous forms of ID card or passport label. Current holders of Residence Permits and ID cards will…

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