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IMPACT – HIGH
The government has implemented several relief measures for foreign visitors in Qatar who are unable to return home because of COVID-19 travel restrictions.
Key Points:
Background: Last month, Qatar implemented a travel ban and suspended visa issuance in an effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Earlier this month, the travel ban was extended and various visa measures including extensions were implemented.
Analysis & Comments: The new relief measures will make remaining in the country and eventually exiting easier for foreign visitors. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available.
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.
The government has extended its ban on foreign nationals entering the country indefinitely. Visa extensions are available to those unable to leave Qatar because of the travel restrictions.
Analysis & Comments: Qatar implemented the travel ban last month and suspended visa issuance in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. The response to COVID-19 continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available.
The Qatar government recently announced new visa and travel suspensions to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
Key points:
Analysis & Comments: The new suspensions on visas and inbound travel will greatly disrupt travel into Qatar. Employers should account for affected travelers and rearrange travel schedules accordingly. Significant delays may occur for consular and in-country processing.
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 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
What is the change? Qatar has opened the mandatory address registration period during which all individuals and entities must register their address and other information.
What does the change mean? Registration must be completed between now and July 26, 2020 through the Metrash app, the Ministry of Interior website or in person at a service center of the ministry.
Background: The National Address Law passed in 2017, and the government signaled last month that it would implement it soon. In addition to registering their address in Qatar, individuals must provide their phone numbers, email address, employer’s address and permanent address abroad.
Analysis & Comments: Companies should prepare to register and ensure that their employees, including expatriates, are aware that they are required to register with the Ministry of Interior no later than July 26.
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 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.
What is the change? Qatar is preparing to implement a law that will require citizens and foreign nationals to register their address with authorities.
What does the change mean? The National Address Law will require foreign nationals to register their residence address through the Metrash application or in person through the Ministry of Interior.
Background: The National Address law was first announced in 2017, and will require citizens and residents of Qatar to register their current address though the Metrash app or in person at the Ministry of the Interior. They will be required to provide the following.
Additional information requirements may be added to this list. Authorities are moving toward implementing the law and recently said they would do so as soon as final procedural and operational steps are completed.
Analysis & Comments: Companies should prepare to register their address, as well as their employees’ addresses, once the policy is implemented.
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 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. © 2019. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.
What is the change? Qatar has begun requiring applicants for family visas to submit applications through the Ministry of Interior’s Metrash app rather than in person at an immigration office.
Background: Foreign residents in Qatar can sponsor family members on Family Visit Visas or Family Visas. Qatar had previously required Family Visit Visa applicants to use the Metrash app and is now doing so for Family Visa applicants as well. The Ministry of Interior hopes that use of Metrash will simplify service procedures.
Analysis & Comments: Applicants should take note of the change and submit Family Visa applications through the Metrash app. Applicants are encouraged to contact your immigration provider if they are in need of assistance.
What is the change? Qatar has begun requiring attested degree certificates and related documentation from work permit applicants in the general supervisor job category.
What does the change mean? Applicants in this category must be prepared to provide an attested version of their university degree certificate, a transcript and a letter from their university. The letter must specify that the applicant was enrolled as a full-time student for at least three years and must list the area of study. Previously, there were no specific education requirements for applicants in this category.
Analysis & Comments: Employers should make sure that employees leave enough time to gather the required documentation under Qatar’s new procedures. Failure to do so may lead to unnecessary delays.
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.
What is the change? Qatar has begun accepting applications for permanent residence for the first time in the country’s history.
What does the change mean? Foreign nationals who have lived in Qatar for 20 years—10 years for foreign nationals who were born in Qatar—may now apply for permanent residence if they meet other eligibility requirements.
Background: Qatar began accepting permanent residence applications as part of its Vision 2030 program. Other changes implemented as part of the program include introducing a Wage Protection System and abolishing exit permits (though not for employees in free zones). Qatar will only accept permanent residence from foreign nationals who meet the applicable residence requirement and who show they have sufficient income, no criminal record, some knowledge of Arabic (at the discretion of authorities) and a Qatar identification card that has an electronic chip (i.e., a Smart ID Card). Applicants must also show that they have not stayed outside of Qatar for more than 60 days in any year during their 10- or 20-year period of residence.
Analysis & Comments: Qatar’s move to begin accepting permanent residence applications is a first for the country and among Arab countries in the Persian Gulf region. Successful applicants will be afforded the same rights as Qatari citizens. Qatar hopes that the permanent residence program and other Vision 2030 programs will continue to lure foreign investment to their country.
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.
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.
What is the change? Qatar has ended the country’s old exit visa requirements.
What does the change mean? In most cases, foreign employees and their sponsoring employers no longer need to file for exit visas and seek government permission before employees leave Qatar. Employers will, however, be allowed to identify employees who will still be required to obtain permission before leaving the country. The number of employees requiring permission cannot exceed 5 percent of a company’s foreign workforce.
Background: Qatari officials announced the abolishment of current exit visa requirements last month. In addition, they also have made clear that employers will be permitted to continue requiring some employees (no more than 5 percent of their workforce) to obtain permission before leaving the country because of the nature of their work.
Analysis & Comments: The government’s move to abolish exit permits is a welcome change that will provide foreign nationals increased freedom of movement and reduce the administrative burden on sponsoring companies. Employees are now able to depart Qatar for business or personal reasons without having to go through the exit visa procedure. Employers will also benefit from the ease of movement while continuing to be able to require permission to leave from some critical employees.