Update: exit permit still required in free zones

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Foreign nationals working in Qatar’s free zones need an exit permit to leave the country even after the country waived exit permit requirements for the Qatari mainland last fall.

What does the change mean? Employees in the Qatar Financial Center, the Qatar Science and Technology Park and other free zones should leave enough time to obtain an exit permit when planning travel outside of the country.

• Implementation time frame: Ongoing.
• Visas/permits affected: Exit permits for foreign employees.
• Who is affected: Foreign nationals employed in a Qatari free zone.

Background: Qatari officials abolished exit permit requirements for most foreign nationals last fall. However, because free zones are not subject to Qatari labor law, the visa waiver has not, in practice, been applied to foreign employees there.

Analysis & Comments: The government’s move to abolish exit permits last fall eased the process of leaving Qatar. Employees who work in free zones, however, still must obtain an exit permit. Affected foreign nationals should take note and plan accordingly if they intend to travel out of the country.

Source: Deloitte LLP. Deloitte LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with registered number OC303675 and its registered office at 1 New Street Square, London EC4A 3HQ, United Kingdom.