Temporary work visas to be introduced in Qatar soon

Nabeela

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A new temporary work visa system for some professions and jobs is being introduced in Qatar soon to accommodate the needs of the country’s labour market and create a suitable environment that encourages domestic and foreign investment, according to the Ministry of Interior (MOI).

Based on this new legislation, costs of recruitment and housing expenses will be reduced for employers who will be able to hire people on a temporary visa and keep them in Qatar for just the duration of project for which they are required.

This, and other new legislations being introduced in Qatar for expats and the labour market were discussed in a press conference held this morning by the MOI, in coordination with the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs (ADLSAQA).

The other two legislations include the reduction on MOI’s online transaction fees by 20% to encourage more people to use these e-services and to simplify these services, and the permission to remain under family sponsorship for children of Qatar residents looking for jobs in the private sector.

The press conference was attended by Major General Mohammed Ahmed Al Ateeq, Director General of Passports; Mr. Mohammed Hassan Al Obaidli, Assistant Undersecretary for Labour Affairs, Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs; and Lt. Col. Ahmed Abdullah Al Harami, Assistant Director of Legal Affairs among others, and this new legislation is expected to bring positive results in the labour market and benefit Qatari citizens and residents alike to take advantage of this untapped workforce.

At present, work is underway to prepare the legislations and submit them to the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers to complete the legislative procedures, so as to bring into implementation.

Cost of temporary work visas

Temporary work visas valid for one month will be available for QR 300 and for two months QR 500. Visas valid for 3 - 6 months will be available for QR 200 for each month

What types of employers will be granted temporary work visas

Temporary visas will be granted to private companies, commercial establishments and other licensed entities in the Qatar to perform some emergency, temporary or seasonal work that requires the workforce for a specific period, season or occasion.

However, the temporary working visa will only be considered by the competent authorities when the competent department at the MADLSA confirms the existence of a (temporary) employment contract between the worker and the employer in accordance with the provisions of the Labour Law No. 14 of the year 2004 and its amendments and the resolutions implementing it.

Procedure

Temporary work visas will be issued by the MOI after the approval by the ADSLAQA, and all the necessary procedures, including medical examination, will be carried out for these temporary employees through the Qatar Visa Centre (QVC) in their home country (if applicable), or as soon as they arrive in Qatar (applicable if there is no QVC in their home country)