IMPACT – HIGH

Qatar has once again updated its ‘green list’ of low-risk COVID-19 countries.

Key Points:

  • The number of countries on the ‘green list’ will be reduced from 48 to 23 on Nov. 20, as a number of countries struggle with an increasing number of COVID-19 cases.
  • Travelers returning to Qatar from one of the countries on the COVID-19 Green List are eligible for home quarantine. Such travelers are required to remain in home quarantine for at least seven days upon returning to Qatar.

Background: Qatar last updated the low-risk countries list the first week of November.

Additional Information: Travelers from low-risk countries must still receive a COVID-19 test at the airport and sign a pledge to enter a home quarantine for one week after arriving in Qatar. After the home quarantine, travelers must receive a second COVID-19 test from a dedicated health center. Travelers with positive results must enter isolation at a government facility and those with negative results will be free to leave quarantine.

Travelers from high-risk countries will be asked to undergo a COVID-19 test at Doha airport. They will need to undergo a hotel quarantine booked from Discover Qatar for seven days. On the sixth day of the hotel quarantine, they will need to go to a dedicated health center in Qatar to get another COVID-19 test. Travelers with positive results must enter isolation at a government facility and those with negative results will need to undergo a home quarantine for another week.

Travelers who present a valid COVID-19 test certificate taken within 48 hours prior travelling to Qatar from a dedicated testing center are exempt from taking the COVID-19 test at the airport upon arrival. As of today, dedicated testing centers are currently available only for those coming from Thailand, Germany, United Kingdom and Turkey. The updated list can be checked at the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) website.

Everyone arriving in Qatar must download and install the Ehteraz app.

Analysis & Comments: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

Qatar has updated its COVID-19 Green List, the list of low-risk COVID-19 countries.

Key Points:

  • Officials increased the total number of low-risk countries to 48. The full list is available here.
  • Travelers returning to Qatar from one of the countries on the COVID-19 Green List are eligible for home quarantine.
  • Such travelers are required to remain in home quarantine for at least seven days upon returning to Qatar.

Additional Information: Travelers from low-risk countries must still receive a COVID-19 test at the airport and sign a pledge to enter a home quarantine for one week after arriving in Qatar. After the home quarantine, travelers must receive a second COVID-19 test from a dedicated health center. Travelers with positive results must enter isolation at a government facility and those with negative results will be free to leave quarantine.

Travelers from high-risk countries will be asked to undergo a COVID-19 test at Doha airport. They will need to undergo a hotel quarantine booked from Discover Qatar for seven days. On the sixth day of the hotel quarantine, they will need to go to a dedicated health center in Qatar to get another COVID-19 test. Travelers with positive results must enter isolation at a government facility and those with negative results will need to undergo a home quarantine for another week.

Travelers who present a valid COVID-19 test certificate taken within 48 hours prior travelling to Qatar from a dedicated testing center are exempt from taking the COVID-19 test at the airport upon arrival. As of today, dedicated testing centers are currently available only for those coming from Thailand, Germany, United Kingdom and Turkey. The updated list can be checked at the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) website. Everyone arriving in Qatar must download and install the Ehteraz app.

Analysis & Comments: The addition of countries to the Green List is part of Qatar’s plan to gradually ease pandemic restrictions. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

Qatar has extended quarantine requirements for all inbound travelers until Dec. 31.

Key Points:

  • The quarantine requirements applies to all inbound travelers, including Qatari nationals and resident visa holders. Non–residents are still not allowed to enter Qatar.
  • The number of daily arrivals to Qatar is being limited.

Additional Information: Qatar updated its list of low-risk COVID-19 countries Sept. 1. Travelers from low-risk countries must still receive a COVID-19 test at the airport and sign a pledge to enter a home quarantine for one week after arriving in Qatar. (There are 41 low-risk countries, the list is here.) After the home quarantine, travelers must receive a second COVID-19 test from a dedicated health center. Travelers with positive results must enter isolation at a government facility and those with negative results will be free to leave quarantine.

Travelers from high-risk countries will be asked to undergo a COVID-19 test at Doha airport. They will also need to undergo a hotel quarantine booked from Discover Qatar for 7 days. On the sixth day of the hotel quarantine, they need to go to a dedicated health center in Qatar to obtain another COVID-19 test. Travelers with positive results must enter isolation at a government facility and those with negative results will need to undergo a home quarantine for another week.

Travelers who present a valid COVID-19 test certificate from a dedicated testing center taken within 48 hours prior traveling to Qatar are exempt from taking the COVID-19 test at the airport upon arrival. As of today, dedicated testing centers are currently available only for those coming from Thailand, Germany, United Kingdom and Turkey. The updated list can be checked at the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) website. Everyone arriving in Qatar must still download and install the Ehteraz app.

Analysis & Comments: The quarantine requirements extension was implemented to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, and travelers should continue to take the requirements into account when planning travel to Qatar. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

Qatar has taken steps toward making it easier for foreign workers to switch employers as part of the country’s efforts to improve conditions for foreign workers.

Key Points:

  • Foreign nationals working in Qatar will soon be allowed to change jobs before their contract ends without needing to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their employer. The elimination of the NOC requirement applies to all workers, but there are still some job change rules to follow for certain kinds of workers. Private-sector workers under Labor Law No 14 of 2004 who are changing their jobs must meet the following requirements:
    • They must communicate their plans to change their jobs and end their employment contracts to their employers using the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs (ADLSA) website. Workers who have been with their employer for two years or less must notify their employer one month before leaving. Workers who have been with their employers for two years or more must notify their employer two months before leaving. Workers who give notice they are leaving must continue working during their notice period, which is the time from when they give notice they are leaving until they leave.
    • They must also submit a job change form using the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labor and Social Affairs electronic system. When submitting this form, they must also submit a copy of their contract with their former employer which has been attested by the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labor and Social Affairs and a letter in Arabic addressed to the same ministry from the new employer confirming the hire.
    • The Ministry of Administrative Development, Labor and Social Affairs will send an SMS text message to the applicant confirming the employment change. The worker must communicate with the new employer then to make sure a representative there enters the contract information into the ministry’s Digital Authentication System for a Multi-lingual Employment Contract. When the new employer has entered the information, the employment contract must be printed and signed by the worker and the employer. The new employer then must upload the signed copy to the digital platform along with other required documents.
    • Authentication of the new employment contract will be confirmed by the ministry. At this point, the new employer must pay the contract authentication fees and print the authenticated contract. The new employer is required to provide a copy to the worker, which can also be downloaded from the ministry’s platform.
    • The new employer will request a new Qatari ID card using the Ministry of Interior’s Metrash services web page. The Ministry of Interior will send an approval for the new card to the new employer and the new employer will give the new ID card and a valid health card to the new worker.
  • Workers who wish to change their jobs and end their employment contracts during the probation period for a new job are allowed to do so if they meet the following requirements:
    • They must notify their current employers at least one month before leaving using the ministry’s electronic system.
    • Their new employer must pay the current employer part of the recruitment fees and one-way air travel ticket in the amount agreed to by both employers. This amount must not be greater than two months of work at the current wage.
  • The current sponsorship transfer process will continue to operate until the new system is implemented.

Analysis & Comments: The changes are part of Qatar’s efforts to dismantle its controversial “kafala system,” which has drawn international criticism, especially as Qatar prepares to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Recently passed legislation also sets a first-of-its kind minimum wage at 1,000 Qatari riyals per month; employers who do not provide housing and food for their workers will be required to provide additional allowances. Authorities have pledged to take strict compliance actions, and employers are encouraged to work closely with Deloitte as the changes are implemented to make sure they are in compliance with new labor and immigration laws.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

Qatar recently announced it is updating its list of low-risk COVID-19 countries and that residents who are outside the country because of the COVID-19 pandemic are exempt from certain fees.

Key points:

  • As of Aug. 15, the low-risk COVID-19 countries are: Algeria, Australia, Austria, Brunei, Canada, China, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Malaysia, Malta, Morocco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, the United Kingdom and Vietnam.
  • Travelers entering Qatar from these low-risk countries must take a COVID-19 test when they arrive at the airport. They must also sign a formal pledge to enter a one-week home quarantine. At this point, the traveler’s status on the Ehteraz app will be yellow, which means he or she is required to enter quarantine. Travelers will also need to have an approved entry permit before entering the country.
  • On the sixth day of home quarantine, travelers are required to visit a dedicated health center and obtain another COVID-19 test. If the test result is positive, the traveler will be entered into isolation. If the result is negative, the traveler’s quarantine period will be ended and his or her Ehteraz app status will be green.
  • All residents who have obtained an entry permit are allowed to enter the country. Travelers from high-risk countries will need to enter quarantine for a week at a dedicated quarantine hotel.
  • Residents who are outside Qatar due to COVID-19 restrictions do not have to pay fees because their residence permits have expired or as a result of having remained outside the country for more than six months.

Background: Qatar launched an exceptional entry permit service for Qatari residents abroad on Aug. 1.

Analysis & Comments: Allowing travelers to enter from many low-risk countries, with some entry requirements still in place, is good news for employers who wish to send their employees to Qatar. The fee exemption for residents outside the country will provide some financial relief to them. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

 

IMPACT – HIGH

Qatar has extended the national address registration deadline for residents who were stranded outside the country because of COVID-19.

Key Points:

  • All Qatari citizens, residents, expatriates and companies and institutions were required to participate in national address registration last month.
  • Those stranded outside of Qatar will be allowed to register once they return to the country. No specific deadline was provided, but registrants who missed the deadline must provide proof of being abroad with a legitimate reason.
  • Registrants are required to provide their home address, fixed telephone number, mobile number, email, permanent address if aboard, and any other information deemed relevant by the government. Information may be submitted through the Metrash2 app, the Ministry of the Interior website or in person at Ministry of Interior services centers. Those who missed the deadline will need to register at the Ministry of Interior services centers as they need to provide proof of being abroad.
  • Anyone who fails to provide the information, or gives false information, could face a fine of up to QAR10,000 (about US$2,746).

Background: His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, the Amir of Qatar, issued the National Address Law in 2017. The government cited the creation of an e-government system with the completion of government electronic transactions as the reason for the data collection.

Analysis & Comments: Businesses should ensure companies and employees are in compliance with all laws in Qatar. As the response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

Qatar is launching an exceptional entry permit service to allow certain individuals to enter the country.

Key Points:

  • Beginning Aug.1, Qatari residents abroad will be allowed to apply for an exceptional entry permit in order to return to Qatar.
  • The temporary Exceptional Entry Permit service will make it possible for employers to apply for entry permits for residents and their family members with Qatar ID cards to return to the country. The application service will be available on the Qatar Portal.
  • The validity of the entry permit is one month from the date it was issued.

Additional information: The Eid holiday coincides with the launch of the Exceptional Entry Permit service so there may be delays in application processing at that time. Government offices will be closed from July 30 to Aug. 6 for Eid Al-Adha and will resume work on Aug. 9.

Analysis & Comments: The temporary exceptional entry permit service is good news for employers who wish to return employees abroad to Qatar. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

 IMPACT – HIGH

Qatar has implemented a new quarantine regulation for travelers flying out of Doha as part of its third phase of reopening.

Key Points:

  • Until July 31, only Qatari Nationals, their traveling companions, those with a Permanent Resident Card or other exceptionally approved Visa holders may enter Qatar.
  • From Aug. 1, pre-approved (i.e., those from “low-risk countries”) QID resident permit holders will also be able to travel to Qatar; however, they are advised not to book a quarantine hotel package until the government confirms approval to return.
  • QID resident permit holders returning from Aug. 1 to Sept. 15 will not be able to board a flight to Qatar without first receiving authorization to travel to Qatar, and then by providing confirmation of a 14-day quarantine hotel booking. The Qatari authorities have provided no guidelines yet regarding pre-authorization when returning to Qatar.
  • Qatari Nationals, their traveling companions, those with a Permanent Resident Card or other exceptionally approved Visa holders departing from Qatar on or before Sept. 15 must hold a confirmed 14-day quarantine hotel booking for their return, which they must prepay against a non-refundable voucher obtained from the government-approved quarantine hotel. Currently, only Qatari nationals are eligible to book the hotel package.
  • QID resident permit holders with return tickets are not required to present confirmation of a self-funded quarantine hotel upon exiting from Qatar.

Additional information: For further details, FAQs and hotel booking please refer to Discover Qatar website. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication.

IMPACT – HIGH

The government has updated travel restrictions and safety mandates. Additionally, the Ministry of Public Health has released an app to help trace and combat the virus.

Key Points:

  • Everyone must wear a mask when leaving home, except when driving a vehicle alone.
  • Before leaving their residence for any reason, all citizens and residents must install the Ehteraz smartphone app, which the Ministry of Public Health developed to help trace and combat COVID-19. This decision is effective from Friday, May 22 until further notice. The app can be downloaded from Play Store and App Store.
  • Only two people may travel in a vehicle at a time, with the exception of taxis, limousines and private vehicles driven by a family driver, which may have three people.
  • Incoming flights to Qatar are banned, save for those carrying Qatari nationals, as well as transit and cargo flights.
  • Until May 30, shops must remain closed, and commercial activities are forbidden, with the exception of food and catering, pharmacies and restaurants that submit external requests.
  • Sports may only be practiced near one’s residence until further notice. Those engaging in sports must avoid gatherings, wear a mask and social distance.
  • Government offices are closed, and new visa applications are suspended until further notice.
  • Residence permit renewal applications may still be submitted.
  • Those disobeying these mandates face fines of up to 200,000 riyals and imprisonment for up to three years.

Background: Qatar implemented initial travel and visa suspensions in March. It then expanded the travel ban and introduced visa-extension measures in April.

Analysis & Comments: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication.

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.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication.