Expats in Qatar

Qatar Visa Centres in India will open their doors on December 3, 2020 | MoI

Qatar Visa Centres in India will open their doors on December 3, 2020 | MoI

A long wait for Indian expats has come to an end as Qatar’s Ministry of Interior (MoI) has confirmed the reopening of Qatar Visa Centres (QVCs) in India.

MoI tweeted on its official handle, “Visa Centre in the Republic of #India will reopen on Thursday, 3 December 2020.“.

MoI Qatar has opened Qatar Visa Centres in India to facilitate all kinds of visa procedures in India itself to expats traveling to Qatar for work. QVCs provide Biometric Enrollment and also Medical Screening Services.

Individuals can make appointments to visit QVCs through the website: https://www.qatarvisacenter.com/ – There are 7 QVCs which are operational in India | New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Lucknow, Hyderabad, Chennai and Kochi.

Qatar Visa Centers in India – Find below Address, Hours of Operation and Contact Info:

  1. Mumbai (Bandra East): 201/2, Hallmark Business Plaza, Sant Dyaneshwar Marg, Near Gurunanak Hospital, Bandra East, Mumbai – 400051
  2. Chennai (Saligrammam): Shyamala Towers,1st Floor, East wing, 136 Arcot Road, Saligrammam, Chennai – 600 093
  3. Delhi (Akshardham): Unit no 2, Lower ground floor, Parsvnath Mall, Akshardham Metro Station, Akshardham, New Delhi. 110092
  4. Hyderabad (Telangana): Ground Floor, South Wing (Krishe Block), Krishe Sapphire Building, Hitech City Road, Madhapur, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500081.
  5. Cochin (Edappally): Door No 38/4111/D, Ground Floor, National Pearl Star building, Near Changampuzha Park Metro Station, Edappally Cochin-682024, Kerala
  6. Kolkata: Bengal Intelligent Park, Building Gamma, 1st Floor, Block-EP & GP, Sector-V, Salt Lake Electronics Complex, Kolkata – 700 091
  7. Lucknow (Gomti Nagar): BBD Viraj Towers, 2nd Floor, TC G/1A – V/3 Vibhuti Khand, Shaheed Path, Gomti Nagar, Lucknow Pincode – 226010, Uttar Pradesh.

Hours of Operation:

  • Biometric Enrollment: 08:30 HRS – 16:30 HRS
  • Medical Screening: 09:00 HRS – 17:00 HRS
  • Email: [email protected]

Telephone:

  • +91 44 6133 1333 (Phone assistance is available from Monday to Friday between 08:30 HRS – 17:00 HRS)

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November 27, 2020 Comments (0)

Qatar will now allow non-Qatari ownership of real estate properties in more areas

Qatar will now allow non-Qatari ownership of real estate properties in more areas

Non-Qataris and foreign firms can now own real estate properties in 9 areas (earlier it was only 3 areas) in the State of Qatar. To attract overseas investments and to diversify the economy, The State of Qatar has announced today that Non-Qataris and foreign firms can now own real estate properties in more areas. It has set the list of areas in which foreign nationals and foreign firms can buy along with the conditionals, level of controls, procedures to own a property and use in accordance with a decision issued by the Council of Ministers in this regard.

Earlier real estate ownership is possible only within The Pearl Island project area in Qatar. Now, real estate ownership open in 9 areas.

“Such decision would contribute to the advancement of the Qatari real estate market, the acceleration of the economic development, and the stimulation of the real estate sector,” the Ministry of Justice said in a statement earlier.


Residency in Qatar will be granted to the owners of the property that worth a minimum of USD 200,000 (QAR 730,000). Residency will be granted to Owner and as well Owners family.

Permanent residency benefits which includes education and health care will be granted to owner of the property worth a minimum of USD 1,000,000 (QAR 3,650,000 million)

The real estate areas for 99-year use are:

  1. Sheireb (Area 13)
  2. Fereej Abdelaziz (14)
  3. Doha Al Jadeed (15)
  4. New Al Ghanim (16)
  5. Al Refaa and Old Al Hitmi (17)
  6. Aslata (18)
  7. Fereej Bin Mahmoud (22)
  8. Fereej Bin Mahmoud (23)
  9. Rawdat Al Khail (24)
  10. Mansoura and Fereej Bin Dirham (25)
  11. Najma (26)
  12. Umm Ghuwailina (27)
  13. Al Khulaifat (28)
  14. Al Sadd (38)
  15. Al Mirqab Al Jadeed and Fereej Al Nasr (39)
  16. Doha International Airport area (48).

The areas covered by free ownership in this decision are:

  1. West Bay area (Legtaifiya)
  2. The Pearl District
  3. Al Khor Resort
  4. Al Dafna (Administrative District No. 60)
  5. Al Dafna (Administrative District No. 61)
  6. Onaiza (Administrative District)
  7. Lusail
  8. Al Kharaij
  9. Jabal Thailab

The Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Justice have introduced an automated system through which Non-Qataris can obtain residency in Qatar after completing the property ownership procedures.

Source: Qatar News Agency

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October 7, 2020 Comments (0)

Exceptional Entry Permit application is open on Qatar Portal

Exceptional Entry Permit application is open on Qatar Portal

Exceptional-Entry-Permit-to-Qatar-Aug-2020
Due to COVID-19 restrictions and temporary ban on international flights many Qatar Residents who are currently struck outside Qatar couldn’t return back to Qatar. Exceptional Entry Permit is a temporary service which helps residents of Qatar who wish to return back can apply to enter Qatar.

Exceptional Entry Permit to Qatar has gone live on the Qatar Portal Website, The Peninsula Qatar recently posted. 

Since yesterday (1st of Aug 2020) application has gone live on https://portal.www.gov.qa/wps/portal/qsports/home It is a welcoming news for many residents who are waiting to return to Qatar to meet their family and / or to get back their work.

Exceptional Entry Permit service allows applications to be submitted under two types.

  • For Qatar Residents and Citizens (You need to enter your Qatar ID number and your personal mobile number)
  • For Visitors and Business Representatives (Have to provide the email and number before proceeding to add personal details)

Steps to Request Exceptional Entry Permit:

  • Create a new account on Qatar Portal or Log in to your existing account (if available).
  • Click on “Apply for Exceptional Entry Permit”.
  • Read terms and conditions and prepare all required attachments before starting the application.
  • Enter the application page and fill in the required information correctly and completely as shown in the passport.
  • Enter your email correctly to receive approval on your application.
  • Print permit after approval and keep a copy of it and a copy of the quarantine undertaking to be presented to airport officials.

Source: The Peninsula Qatar | Image Credit:Qatar Portal

16000 will also continue to provide a 24/7 call centre service for all enquiries in relation to the COVID-19. 

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August 2, 2020 Comments (2)

Qatar announces major reforms regarding expat workforce and the labour market

Qatar announces major reforms regarding expat workforce and the labour market

The Ministry of Interior (MoI) and the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs (ADLSA) jointly held a press conference last week, proposing three major reforms in some laws regulating expatriate workers and the labour market.

The press conference was attended by Mohammad Ahmed Al-Ateeq – Director General of Passports, Hasan al Obaidly – Assistant Undersecretary of Labour and Ahmed Abdullah al Haremi – Assistant Director of Legal Affairs Department.

In what is seen by many as a significant landmark to support expatriate communities living in Qatar, the three proposals to be implemented soon include permission for sons of expatriates to work without changing their sponsorship, temporary work visas for up to 6 months and 20 % reduction in the fees for online transactions of all services provided by MoI.

Mohammad Ahmed Al-Ateeq explained that the proposal to allow sons of expatriate residents to work in the private sector without changing their sponsorship was carefully studied and given its various advantages it was finally decided to take legislative measures to implement the same.

Currently, only daughters are allowed to work under their father’s sponsorship without changing their sponsorship. As per the new proposal, all members of the family will be allowed to work without changing their family sponsorship.

Hasan al Obaidly stated that the new proposal will bring positive results in labour market and benefit both Qatari citizens and residents alike in taking advantage of this untapped workforce.

“The new proposal will reduce recruitment of marginal labour surplus required by the labour market, costs of recruitment and housing expenses for the employer. Employers can take advantage of their familiarity with the customs and traditions of the Qatari society,” he added.

In order to encourage the public in taking advantage of MOIs electronic services and to simplify the process, a new proposal to reduce the fee for electronic transactions was studied and a 20 percent reduction for all online transactions has been agreed upon.

Abdullah al Haremi said the proposals that have been studied need amendments in related legislative tools governing these categories. The work is underway to prepare and amend the legislation and submit it to the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers to complete its legislative procedures, he added.

The Director-General of Passports also announced the proposal to introduce a new temporary work visa system for some professions and jobs in order to accommodate the need of the labour market and create a suitable environment for domestic and foreign investment.

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

As per the new proposal, these visas will be issued by MoI after the approval by the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs, while all required procedures will be carried out through Qatar Visa Centres abroad or when such workers arrive in the country.

Temporary work visas valid for one month will be charged QR 300 and for two months QR 500. Visas valid from 3 to 6 months will be charged 200 for each month, the MoI official said.

Meanwhile, local expatriate business communities have welcomed the proposals stating that allowing sons of expats to work in Qatar without changing sponsorship is a big relief for many parents.

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October 16, 2019 Comments (0)

Qatar Visa Centers in India (QVCs) – Five more added and now 7 centers in India

Qatar Visa Centers in India (QVCs) – Five more added and now 7 centers in India

Qatar Visa Centers in India (QVCs) were launched at New Delhi and also in Mumbai on 27th March & 29th March 2019 respectively. Likewise, MoI Qatar has opened five more centers now in India. With the new addition, now QVC’s are in 7 locations in India. Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Lucknow, Hyderabad, Chennai as well as Kochi are the QVC Centers in India. Qatar has opened five new visa centers in India as part of its project, launched last year, targeting eight labour-exporting countries.

The QVCs project has been successful in providing distinct services which streamline procedures for expatriates to work in the country and also facilitating all kinds of visa procedures in India itself. QVC’s provides Biometric Enrollment and also Medical Screening Services.

Qatar Visa Center in India – Location, Address and also Working Hours

• Mumbai (Bandra East): 201/2, Hallmark Business Plaza, Sant Dyaneshwar Marg, Near Gurunanak Hospital, Bandra East, Mumbai – 400051
• Chennai (Saligrammam): Shyamala Towers,1st Floor, East wing, 136 Arcot Road, Saligrammam, Chennai – 600 093
• Delhi (Akshardham): Unit no 2, Lower ground floor, Parsvnath Mall, Akshardham Metro Station, Akshardham, New Delhi. 110092
• Hyderabad (Telangana): Ground Floor, South Wing (Krishe Block), Krishe Sapphire Building, Hitech City Road, Madhapur, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500081.
• Cochin (Edappally): Door No 38/4111/D, Ground Floor, National Pearl Star building, Near Changampuzha Park Metro Station, Edappally Cochin-682024, Kerala
• Kolkata: Bengal Intelligent Park, Building Gamma, 1st Floor, Block-EP & GP, Sector-V, Salt Lake Electronics Complex, Kolkata – 700 091
• Lucknow (Gomti Nagar): BBD Viraj Towers, 2nd Floor, TC G/1A – V/3 Vibhuti Khand, Shaheed Path, Gomti Nagar, Lucknow Pincode – 226010, Uttar Pradesh.

Qatar Visa Centers in India – Working Hours:

Biometric Enrollment: 08:30 HRS – 16:30 HRS
Medical Screening: 09:00 HRS – 17:00 HRS
Email: [email protected]

Telephone: +91 44 6133 1333
(Phone assistance is available from Monday to Friday between 08:30 HRS – 17:00 HRS)

Major Abdullah Khalifa Al Mohannadi, Director of the Visa Support Services Department at the General Directorate of Passports said that “QVCs project targets the opening of 20 service centers in eight countries. Sri Lanka, India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Philippines, Indonesia, Tunisia”. He also pointed out that QVCs are characterized by rapid completion of procedures for the residency of expatriates. As well as follow-up by the relevant authorities in Qatar. Reported thepeninsulaqatar.com

Related Article: Qatar Visa Centre (QVC) now in Delhi and Mumbai – Five more centers will be opened in India

April 8, 2019 Comments (44)

Qatar Visa Centre (QVC) now in Delhi and Mumbai – Five more centres will be opened in India

Qatar Visa Centre (QVC) now in Delhi and Mumbai – Five more centers will be opened in India

The State of Qatar launched its first Qatar Visa Centre (QVC) at the capital city of New Delhi in India on Wednesday (March 27, 2019). QVC in New Delhi launched in the presence of officials from both Qatar and India.

The Ministry of Interior posted on its official Twitter account on 27-March 2019, “Six more centres will be opened in #India in coming days in the cities of #Mumbai, #Kolkata, #Lucknow, #Hyderabad, #Chennai, and #Kochi”

On Friday 29th of March, Qatar launched its second Qatar Visa Centre (QVC) in Mumbai, India, in the presence of officials from both countries.

The center in Mumbai is the second one in India after New Delhi, which was opened a few days back, reported thepeninsulaqatar.com

Qatar Visa Centre (QVC) will enable Indians who are moving to Qatar on employment to complete fingerprint, biometric data processing and also employment contract signing in India itself through. Also, work visa procedures will speed up as expats complete procedures before they leave.

Earlier, Qatar Visa Centre’s were opened in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and also in Pakistan. There is no change in terms of recruitment procedures, expect that home countries now facilitate the procedures which simplies the process and also reduce the time. The Ministry of Interior website and Metrash 2 service provides all the necessary steps to apply for recruitment through the QVCs. All the fees necessary for the recruitment are to be paid by employers in Qatar and allow the expatriate to complete the procedures in QVC’s.

QatarIndians.com team on behalf of all the Indians thank everyone, who is behind this initiative.

About Qatar Visa Centers (Source Credit: QatarVisaCenter)

Qatar Visa Centers are managed by a team of professionals who are dedicated to the ideal of building an organization on the principals of trust, transparency and transformation. Together, a culture is being built that is able to serve the visa applicants with highest commitments to quality, comfort and care. Visit QVC Website for more information.

Image Credit: QatarVisaCenter

March 31, 2019 Comments (0)

Qatar to let expats own properties – Offer new areas of real estate for foreign ownership

Qatar to let expats own properties – Offer new areas of real estate for foreign ownership

Qatar has recently brought major policy changes like issuing an on-arrival tourist visa to citizens of 80 countries and putting an end to exit permits system for a majority of expats. The cabinet proposed the revolutionary decision of letting expatriates own property in Qatar.

In a recent move, Qatar’s cabinet on Wednesday said it would identify several new areas where foreigners can own real estate, state news agency QNA said, Reported reuters.com

This is in compliance with the law governing the ownership and use of the non-Qatari property. In this new move, the Qatar government will identify 16 areas in Qatar where property could be contracted for more than 99 years.

The Cabinet also agreed on “granting residence to non-Qatari owners of real estate”, the QNA reported.

The Qatar cabinet of ministers agreed to:

  • Allow the ownership of property by non-Qatari individuals, non-Qatari companies and also real estate investment funds.
  • Determine 10 areas where non-Qataris can own property freely.
  • Determine 16 areas where non-Qataris can lease and use real estate for up to 99 years.
  • Allow non-Qatari ownership of residential villas within residential complexes.
  • Allow non-Qatari ownership of shops within commercial complexes.
  • Grant residence permit to non-Qatari owners of real estate, whether for housing or investment, throughout the period of ownership of real estate.

More details about this decision will be announced next week through a press conference.

March 15, 2019 Comments (0)

Population in Qatar touched 2.75 million people for the first time shows mdps statistics

Population in Qatar touched 2.75 million people for the first time shows mdps statistics

Population in Qatar has reached an all-time high of 2.75 million people for the first time. As per the population statistics reported in The Minister of Development Planning and Statistics website, Total Population Count until end of October 2018 was 2,743,932 and it has reached 2,757,437 in Nov 2018.

The latest data also reveal that Qatar’s female population has crossed the 700,000-mark for the first time. The female population was 703,862 at the end of November, an increase of .7% from the October figure of 698,945. On the other hand, the male population in the said month was 2,053,575, which marked a rise of .4% from October, when the corresponding figure was 2,044,987. Reported gulf-times.com

Also, read related articles:

Indian Population reached an all-time high of 691,000 in Qatar

India’s population to surpass that of China around 2024: UN

 

 

December 8, 2018 Comments (0)

New exit permit law for Qatar expatriates implemented

New exit permit law for Qatar expatriates implemented yesterday

New exit permit law for Qatar’s expatriates has been implemented from yesterday, 28th Oct 2018. With this law in place, no exit permit required for most of Qatar’s expatriates to leave the country temporarily for a short period or permanently for good. Except for the list of employees (who require prior consent to exit the country) submitted by an employer through the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labor and Social Affairs (MADLSA) Website (http://www.adlsa.gov.qa)

Qatar has recently brought a major policy change in which it has put an end to exit permits expect 5% of a company’s workforce to obtain a prior consent to exit the country because of the nature of their work. Before this new law, it was mandatory for the expat worker to obtain an exit permit through his sponsor / company to exit Qatar temporarily for a short period or permanently for good.

QatarIndians.com team along with the Indian community living in Qatar and expatriate community from other countries welcomes this move.

The official Qatar News Agency (QNA) reported that the Ministry of Interior (MoI) yesterday started applying the amendment to Article No 7 “concerning the cancellation of the travel permit notice of Law No 21 of 2015 regarding the entry and exit of expatriates and their residence” Reported gulf-times.com

 

In a post on Twitter, the MoI said “Law No. 13 of 2018, which amended certain provisions of the Law No. 21 of 2015 regulating the entry, exit and residency of expatriates is being implemented starting today, Sunday 28 October 2018. #MoIQatar”

Also, MoI tweeted that “The expatriate workers, who are unable to leave the country for any reason, can approach the Expatriate Exit Grievance Committee, which will look into the complaint and take a decision within three working days. #MoIQatar”

 

October 29, 2018 Comments (0)

New exit permit law in Qatar commences from 28th Oct

New exit permit law in Qatar commences from 28th Oct

Qatar has recently brought a major policy change in which it has partially put an end to exit permits. Expat workers will no longer have to obtain exit permits in order to leave the country within the duration of the work contract.

Now, a firm date has been set to put to enforce the new entry and exit law. New exit permit law will commence on 28th of October. Majority of workers will not need an exit permit from 28th Oct.

Read “End of exit permits in Qatar for most of the expatriate workers”

Also, the ministry has announced that the employer has the complete right to choose 5% of employees who will need to avail an exit permit from the company to leave the country. The names should be submitted through recently launched Ministry’s website — www.adlsa.gov.qa

October 20, 2018 Comments (0)
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