COVID-19: Establishment Cards renewal

IMPACT – HIGH

Qatar recently announced the automatic renewal of Establishment Cards.

Key points:

• Establishment Cards (computer cards) for all entities will be renewed automatically without needing to approach the General Directorate of Passports, provided that the expiration date is on or after Jan. 1.
• Automatic renewals will be for two months beginning May 1. Once renewed, the expiration of the Establishment Card should be on or after July 1, 2020. Fees for the renewals may be paid at a later date.

Additional information: The Immigration Department uses Establishment Cards to identify the signature of a company’s authorized signatories. They contain information such as the Establishment ID number, company name, name of the company’s authorized signatory, sector, date when the card was first issued and expiration date. Foreign company owners require an Establishment Card for the issuance of residence permits to hire employees.

Analysis & Comments: The automatic renewal will help ease processing for employers in Qatar. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

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