MOI Qatar

MoI Qatar announces working hours during Eid Al Adha holidays

MoI Qatar announces working hours during Eid Al Adha holidays

Eid Al Adha holidays for Ministries, public bodies, government agencies, and institutions will begin on Sunday 18 July 2021 and end on Sunday 25 July 2021.

The Ministry of Interior (MOI) on its Twitter handle has announced the working hours of MOI service and security departments during the Eid Al-Adha holidays, as follows:

  • Service-oriented departments (Passports, Traffic, Nationality and Travel Documents, CEID) will work from 8 am to 12 noon.
  • Security Departments and Traffic Investigation Sections will be working round the clock.

Source: @MOI_QatarEn

July 18, 2021 Comments (0)

MoI urge the public to take the necessary preventive measures to secure vehicles and the items inside from theft

MoI urge the public to take the necessary preventive measures to secure vehicles and the items inside from theft

The Criminal Investigation Department arrests a suspect for stealing items inside cars. In a recent post by the Ministry of Interior on its official Twitter handle, it has posted that the Criminal Investigation Department arrested a suspect who stole items inside cars in different parts of the country.

The Criminal Investigation Department arrested an Arab suspect who used to steal items from cars in different parts of the country. The accused used to steal items from unlocked cars in the evening period while roaming residential areas. The investigation team confiscated the stolen items found in possession. He has been referred to the competent authorities for further legal action against him.

As the Department received complaints of theft of items from cars, a specialized team was formed immediately. Through intensified search and investigation, the team identified the accused.

The competent authorities at the Ministry of Interior urge the public to take the necessary preventive measures to secure vehicles and the items inside from theft. #MoIQatar

People are reminded to lock their vehicles properly, not to leave the belongings in a visible manner inside the car and to avoid parking vehicles in isolated areas.
Please contact emergency service 999 to report any suspected cases.

Source: Ministry of Interior

MoI-urge-the-public-take-necessary-preventive-measures-secure-vehicles-items-inside-from-theft

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October 12, 2020 Comments (0)

Ministry of Interior arrests a criminal gang for stealing funds nearly QR 10 million in SMS fraud

Ministry of Interior arrests a criminal gang for stealing funds nearly QR 10 million in SMS fraud

MoI Qatar recently has posted on its Twitter handle and Facebook page about a Cyber Fraudster Gang Arrested for Duping Bank Customers. In an operation named ‘Uncovering the Mask’, The Economic and Cyber Crimes Department at the Ministry of Interior arrested a criminal gang involved in cyber fraud operations and stealing funds from bank clients.

They used to transfer these funds abroad, pay bills and do online purchases after accessing clients’ bank data. The total amount of these fraud transactions reached nearly 10 million Qatari riyals.

Director of Economic and Cyber Crimes Department, stated that the department had received complaints stating that some bank customers have been subjected to cyber fraud and theft of their money. The gang used methods like sending a text message that the client’s bank card had been suspended and he had to call a specified phone number or that he had won a large amount of money as a prize.

Once the victim responds to these messages, the criminal asks the victims to send him the OTP or the verification code they receive on their phone (which is used by financial institutions as an extra step of security for customers). In order to claim the prize without any delay, the victim will give the code making it easy for the criminals to break into the victim’s bank account.

Assistant Director Economic and Cyber Crimes Department added that using these methods, the criminals access the victim’s bank account and transfer money abroad, pay bills or make online purchases.

The Department formed a high-level search and investigation team and carried out an operation named ‘Uncovering the Mask’. The team gathered information, conducted investigations and tracked suspicious money transfers. They monitored a number of persons from some Asian countries with the cooperation of the relevant authorities in state institutions.

After obtaining the permission of the Public Prosecution, the investigation team arrested the gang members who were inside the country and seized many devices they used for fraud activities. It was also found that some members of the gang are residing in other countries.

The Ministry of Interior calls on all citizens and residents to exercise caution and not to respond to these types of suspicious messages and not to disclose personal and banking data to unknown individuals or institutions.

The Ministry also advises the public to approach the banking authorities to verify the authenticity of the messages they receive or inform the concerned authorities at the Ministry of Interior.

Source Credit: @MOI_Qatar | @moigovqatar.en

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August 26, 2020 Comments (0)

Have you completed your National Address Registration | Deadline ends on Sunday, 26 July 2020

Have you completed your National Address Registration | Deadline ends on Sunday, 26 July 2020

All Citizens and Residents (Expats) of Qatar under the National Address Law (Law No 24 of 2017) should register their National Address.

On 27th of Jan 2020, the registration for National Address has been started and 26th July 2020 has been announced as the last date to complete the National Address registration.

As the deadline to complete the registration is just few days away, The Ministry of Interior (MoI) has recently announced that 10 of #MoIQatar Services Centres will remain open this weekend (July 24-25) to make it easy for citizens and expats to complete their registration process.

Here is the list of #MoIQatar Services Centres and hours of service:

  • Mesaimeer | Al-Wakrah | Al Rayyan | Industrial Area | Onaiza | Al-Shahaniya | Al-Daayen | Al-Khor | Shamal | Um Salal
  • Friday and Saturday | 24th and 25th July 2020 | 8 am to 12 noon

Every Citizen and Resident is responsible to provide the correct information, failing which may result in a fine of QAR 10,000. For minor children, the guardians will be responsible to register their data and ensure its authenticity, the MOI had specified earlier.

The registration is available through Metrash2 and the Ministry website, in addition to the Ministry of Interior service centres in the country, but the Ministry earlier had urged people to register only online through its website or Metrash2 in order to limit spread of COVID-19.

For more information or details about any problems while you registering of the National Address through #Metrash2 or MOI websit: Call the ministry technical support number +974 2342000

Steps to register for the National Address:

  • Login to the MOI e-services portal with your Smartcard.
  • Choose “National Address” >> “National Address for Individuals”.
  • On the “Service Options” page find the options available for the National Address for Individuals service.
  • Choose “Register National Address” and add the home address of applicant or their family members (if available and only for their children – boys or girls – under 18 years old).
  • Update applicant employer address (for residents) and as an optional details update abroad home address.
  • Choose “Register National Address for Newborns” if the individual wants to include new family members, who do not have a previously registered home national address, to the registered home address of the individual.
  • Click on “Next” button and complete all the required information.

For more information or details about any problems while you registering of the National Address through #Metrash2 or MOI websit: Call the ministry technical support number +974 2342000

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July 24, 2020 Comments (0)

National Address compulsory to complete many other transactions | July 26, Deadline to register

National Address compulsory to complete many other transactions | July 26, Deadline to register

The Ministry of Interior has renewed its call to citizens and residents to register their National Address before the deadline of July 26, 2020. The registration of National Address will be compulsory and required for public to complete many other transactions. So far, over one million people in Qatar have registered themselves in the national address while the registration process will continue until July 26, 2020.

‘The National Address will be one of the information required to complete (other) transactions. Register your national address to ensure the completion of your transactions in a proper time, said the Ministry on its Twitter account. The registration of the national address started on January 27, 2020 and will continue until July 26.

Every applicant is responsible for giving the correct information and there is a fine of QR 10,000 for giving false information. The fine also applies for not registering during the 6-month period. The fine can be reconciled to QR 5,000 before reaching the court.

Meanwhile according to a poll on the Ministry of Interior website, around 5,000 people preferred registering their national address through Metrash2. The poll was about which is the most suitable way for people to register their national address. The total number of people participated in the poll so far is 6,562 while the online survey started on May 1, 2020 will continue until June 30, 2020.

The result showed that 76 percent of voters which is 4,989 preferred Metrash2, while 20 percent which represent 1,312 participants prefer MoI e-services portal while only 4 percent (261) preferred MoI services centers.

The National Address data include one’s residence address in Qatar, landline and cell phone numbers, e-mail address, and work address for those who work in government or private sector.

The registration is available through Metrash2 and the Ministry website, in addition to the Ministry of Interior service centres in the country, but in order to limit spread of the coronavirus, the Ministry urged people to register only online through its website or Metrash2.

The National Address will serve many government entities such as the Ministry of Municipality and Environment; the Ministry of Justice; the Supreme Judiciary Council and Planning and Statistics Authority, a senior official had said earlier.

Source: The Peninsula Qatar

National Address Registration form asks for the below details (https://portal.www.gov.qa/wps/portal/services/inviduallandingpages/national+address+services/requesttoaddorupdatenationaladdressforindividuals)

  • Residential address
  • Land phone number
  • Mobile number
  • E-mail
  • Employer’s address for government and private sector employees
  • Permanent address abroad and any other information specified by the relevant authority.

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Download Ehteraz App:

EHTERAZ App on Google Play (For Android Users) https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.moi.covid19&hl=en
EHTERAZ App on Apple App Store (For iOS users)
June 27, 2020 Comments (1)

EHTERAZ app update allows registration with visa number for non-QID holders

EHTERAZ app update allows registration with visa number for non-QID holders

Qatar has made EHTERAZ Covid-19 tracking app installation compulsory for all citizens and residents when leaving the house for any reason.

Non-QID holders were not able to register on EHTERAZ app as it requires QID number to complete the registration. In a recent update on android version of EHTERAZ app (on Google Play Store) it allows non-QID holders (Business and Other Visit Visa Holders) to register using Visa information.

The new update has been rolled our only on Android version and it is expected to happen on iOS version as well very soon. Ehteraz app has two options to choose while registering – “Visa Registration” and “QID Registration”. Non-QID holders has to choose Visa option and then it ask for your Mobile Number, Visa Number and Nationality to get the verification pin.

Non-QID holders were not able to register on this app as it required QID number to complete the registration. In a recent update on android version of EHTERAZ (on Google Play Store) it allows non-QID holders (Business and Other Visit Visa Holders) to register using Visa information instead of QID number.

Non-QID holders were not able to register on this app as it required QID number to complete the registration. In a recent update on android version of EHTERAZ (on Google Play Store) it allows non-QID holders (Business and Other Visit Visa Holders) to register using Visa information instead of QID number.

Many visitor who came on visit to Qatar and could travel to their home country couldn’t install Ehteraz app earlier without QID Number. This update is a great news for people who are on visit visa since the Ehteraz app is mandatory if someone wish to leave the house for any reason.

Now many establishments in Qatar including most supermarkets and banks check for green status before they allow customers inside.

Download Ehteraz App

EHTERAZ App on Google Play (For Android Users) https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.moi.covid19&hl=en
EHTERAZ App on Apple App Store (For iOS users) https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ehteraz/id1507150431

Image Source: Google Android Play Store (Just for representation)

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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June 8, 2020 Comments (0)

New precautionary measures | EHTERAZ app installation on smartphones now mandatory when leaving the house for any reason

New precautionary measures | EHTERAZ app installation on smartphones now mandatory when leaving the house for any reason

The State of Qatar has taken many precautionary measures to ensure the safety of Citizens and Expats to fight against the spread of deadly coronavirus, COVID-19.

Prime Minister and Minister of Interior His Excellency Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani chaired the cabinet meeting via video conferencing on Monday 18th May 2020.

After the meeting, Minister of Justice and Acting Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs His Excellency Dr. Isa bin Saad Al-Jafali Al-Nuaimi stated the following: The Cabinet listened to the explanation provided by Minister of Public Health on the latest updates and developments to reduce the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). The Council affirmed the continuation of the precautionary measures taken to combat COVID-19 pandemic and decided the following.

FIRST:

  1. All citizens and residents are obligated to install the EHTERAZ app on smartphones when leaving the house for any reason.
  2. This decision is effective from Friday 22/5/2020 until further notice.

Download Ehteraz App

EHTERAZ App on Google Play (For Android Users) https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.moi.covid19&hl=en
EHTERAZ App on Apple App Store (For iOS users) https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ehteraz/id1507150431

SECOND:

  1. All citizens and residents are obligated not to have more than 2 people in the vehicle and a maximum of 3 are allowed in the following cases:
  • Transportation in taxis and limousines.
  • Transfer in private vehicles when driven by the driver of the family.

2. Ambulances and vehicles of the Public Health Ministry and the security and military authorities are excluded from that.

3. Continuation of the decision to reduce number of people transported by buses to half the capacity of the bus while taken the precautionary measures.

4. This decision is effective from Tuesday, May 19, 2020, until further notice.

THIRD:

  1. Practicing sport shall be in areas close to the residence area, taking into consideration avoiding gatherings and taking necessary precautions of wearing masks and maintaining safe distance.
  2. This decision is effective from Tuesday 19/5/2020 until further notice.

FOURTH:

  • The Ministry of Interior shall take the necessary measures in this regard.

FIFTH:

  • Closing shops and stopping all commercial activities from 19/5/20 to 30/5/2020, except food and catering shops, pharmacies, restaurants providing delivery service, and the Ministry of Commerce shall determine the other necessary activities exempted from this decision.

SIXTH:

  • In case of non-compliance with these decisions, penalties stipulated in Decree-Law No. (17) of 1990 regarding prevention of infectious diseases shall be applied to violators by imprisonment for not exceeding 3 years and fine not exceeding QR 200,000 or one of them.

Source: Qatar News Agency

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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May 19, 2020 Comments (2)

Tourist visa holders in Qatar are allowed to stay in the country without extending their visas or paying any fee | MoI

Tourist visa holders in Qatar are allowed to stay in the country without extending their visas or paying any fee | MoI

The Ministry of Interior tweeted on its official account regarding on-arrival and in-advance tourist visas. It has announced that, Visitors in the country on tourist visas (on-arrival and priorly issued visas) can stay in the country without extending their visas or paying any fee, taking into account their inability to return to their home countries due to closure of airports.

Tweet states that, “According to Law No.21 of 2015 regulating entry and exit of expatriates and their residence, it has been decided to allow expatriate visitors in the country on tourist visas (on-arrival and in-advance) to stay in the country, taking into account their inability to return to their home countries due to the closure of airports in most countries of the world.

  1. They can stay in the country without extending the visa or paying any fee
  2. Once the country declares that the conditions have returned to normal and flights start operation to their countries, they will be granted a grace period to leave the country.

Family members of expats in Qatar including many Indian families are here in Qatar on on arrival and family visit visas. They couldn’t return to India due to closure of airports. This will be a big relief to all the tourist and their family members.

Who are all allowed to stay in Qatar without extending their visas due to closure of airports?

All who are currently in Qatar on a tourist visa (either on arrival or family visit visa) can stay in the country without extending their visas.

Do tourist visa holders in Qatar need to pay for staying in Qatar due to closure of international airports?

Tourist visa holders (on-arrival and priorly issued visas) can stay in Qatar without extending their visas and no need to pay any fee until flight start operations to their home country.

Source: MoI Qatar

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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April 20, 2020 Comments (2)

Visa Extension | Expired QID | Questions due to flight cancellations and airport closures | COVID-19

Visa Extension | Expired QID | Questions from Indian community due to flight cancellations and airport closures | COVID-19 (Updated on 28 March 2020)

Qatar has taken many preventive measures to limit the spread of Coronavirus COVID-19. As a part of precautionary and preventive measures taken by the country, since the 18th of March, all inbound flights to Doha have been stopped temporarily with the exception of air cargo and transit flights. On the other hand, India has brought mandatory quarantine for travelers from the Middle East and announced a 21-day complete nationwide lockdown. Airlines have cancelled their flights and countries announced airport closures.

We have received a lot of questions from the Indian community in Qatar regarding the Visa Extension, on arrival visas and many more questions which include – What will happen to a resident who is outside Qatar currently, Can an on-arrival visa be extended, how can we do Visa Extension during this time and many more related to visas…(Post your questions which are not covered in this and we will try our best to find the answers and reply)

Based on the information available from sources, we tried our best to cover answers to those questions:

  1. My Mother is in Doha now and she came through an on-arrival visa and it is expiry in a week from now. Is it possible to extend the on-arrival visa due to the non-availability of flights from Doha?

For all on arrival visa holders currently in Qatar, Visa will be extended automatically. You do not have to do anything to extend the visa. It will be extended until the 22nd of April 2020. This announcement is made as per the current situation and might be updated in the future based on the situation at a later stage.

Qatar Visit Visas (Visit & On Arrival Visas) can be extended for 1 month from the date of the expiration of Visa. This can be done through Metrash2 or MOI Website. No need to visit the General Directorate of Passports or MOI Service Centres. Visit https://portal.moi.gov.qa/visitvisaextension to extend or to check visa status.

  1. I am a resident of Qatar. I sponsored a visit visa for my wife’s parents, and they are here for the last 2 months. If the current situation continues beyond their visa expiry period, is it possible to extend their stay?

At the moment there is no announcement made with regard to Family Visit Visas. Sooner we can expect an announcement from MOI on procedures to extend Family Visit Visas. MOI Visa Extension Service Website.

  1. My wife is now in India. She is a resident of Qatar. Her QID is expiring in few weeks. As she cannot come to Qatar now due to restrictions in India and travelers ban in Qatar. What shall I do? Is it possible for her to enter Qatar again after the ban?

Yes, She can enter once the entry ban in Qatar is lifted. A resident with expired Qatar ID or stayed more than six months out of Qatar will be allowed to enter Qatar once the ban is lifted.

  1. I am on a business visa and my visa is nearing expiry. Is there a way to extend my business visa?

Yes. It is possible to extend your business visa through an extension request from your sponsor. Please ask them to submit all the required documents which include Passport Copy, CR Copy and a request letter for the visa extension.

#Metrash2 App is the easiest and convenient way to access and complete services required from the Ministry of Interior from anywhere and at any time.

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March 25, 2020 Comments (19)

Driving Schools will be closed temporarily from Sunday 22 Mar 2020 – Classes and tests will be stopped

Driving Schools will be closed temporarily from Sunday 22 Mar 2020 – Classes and tests will be stopped

Qatar has taken many preventive measures to limit the spread of Coronavirus COVID-19. As a part of the precautionary and preventive measures to contain Coronavirus COVID-19, the Ministry of Interior (MOI) announced on MOI’s official Twitter handle, “To maintain public safety and in compliance with the precautionary and preventive measures taken by the country, driving classes and tests at driving schools will be stopped starting from Sunday, 22 Mar 2020, until further notice.”

Closure of driving classes and tests will be in place from Sunday 22 March 2020 until further notice from the ministry. Driving school trainees can continue the distance learning theory classes through the mobile application on smart devices.

Qatar ministries and authorities have been implementing various measures to protect the people of Qatar from the novel Coronavirus COVID-19.

From 13 March 2020: Cinemas, Children Play areas, Gyms and Wedding Venues.

From 15 March 2020, 10 pm: Ceased Public Transportation including Metro and Bus services.

From 16 March 2020: Dine-in at Restaurants and Cafes in Qatar banned. Home delivery and takeaway exempted.

From 17 March 2020: 

From 18 March 2020:

For any queries, or concerns related to COVID-19 in Qatar | Public can contact 24/7 hotline number 16000 (toll-free)

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A compulsory quarantine period of 14 days to those Indian passengers coming through or from Gulf countries including Qatar, Oman, UAE and Kuwait upon arrival from 18th to 31st March.

Stopping all incoming flights to Doha, starting from Wednesday evening, corresponding to March 18, for a period of 14 days, renewable, with the exception of air cargo and transit flights.

Until further notice, it is prohibited to process orders in restaurants and cafes anywhere in the country.The presence and seating of customers and the organizing of gatherings in the designated halls are also prohibited, with the exception of delivery orders and takeaways

March 21, 2020 Comments (1)
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