Top 10 Facts About Immigration Law in Qatar (2023)

Qatar is a small but wealthy country in the Arabian Gulf, with a population of about 2.8 million people, of which about 88% are expatriates. Qatar has been attracting many foreign workers and investors, especially since it was chosen to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup. However, Qatar also has a complex and strict immigration system, which regulates the entry, exit, and residence of foreigners. Here are some of the top facts about immigration law in Qatar that you should know.

1. Qatar is a constitutional monarchy, where the Emir is the head of state and the supreme authority. The Emir appoints the Prime Minister and the members of the legislative and judicial bodies.The Emir also has the power to approve or reject the legislation, and has the final say on any laws.
2. Qatar's legal system is based on a mixture of civil law and Islamic law (Sharia). Sharia is a main source of legislation, and applies to matters such as family law, inheritance, and some criminal offences.Civil law governs other matters, such as contracts, property, and commercial disputes.
3. Qatar's immigration law is mainly governed by Law No. 21 of 2015, which regulates the entry, exit, and residence of expatriates. The law replaced the previous Law No. 4 of 2009, which was widely criticized for violating the rights of migrant workers. The new law introduced some reforms, such as allowing expatriates to change employers without the consent of their previous employer, and abolishing the exit permit system, which required expatriates to obtain permission from their employer to leave the country.However, the new law still imposes some restrictions and penalties on expatriates, such as requiring them to obtain a residence permit, a work permit, and a sponsorship from a Qatari employer or individual.
4. Qatar has a visa system that categorizes foreigners into different types, depending on their purpose and duration of stay. There are various types of visas, such as tourist visa, business visa, family visit visa, work visa, student visa, and transit visa. Each visa has its own requirements, fees, and validity period.Some visas can be obtained online, while others require an application through a Qatari embassy or consulate, or a sponsor in Qatar.
5. Qatar has a sponsorship system, also known as kafala, which requires expatriates to have a Qatari sponsor, either an employer or an individual, who is responsible for their legal and financial affairs in the country. The sponsor has the power to control the expatriate's entry, exit, residence, and employment status, and can cancel or transfer their sponsorship. The sponsor also has the obligation to provide the expatriate with accommodation, health care, and social security.The sponsorship system has been criticized for creating a situation of dependency and exploitation, where expatriates are vulnerable to abuse and violation of their rights by their sponsors.
6. Qatar has a labor law, which regulates the rights and obligations of workers and employers in the private sector. The labor law covers various aspects, such as contracts, wages, working hours, leaves, termination, disputes, and social security. The labor law also provides some protection and benefits for migrant workers, such as minimum wage, overtime pay, end-of-service gratuity, and health and safety standards.However, the labor law does not apply to some categories of workers, such as domestic workers, agricultural workers, and public sector employees, who are governed by separate laws or regulations.
7. Qatar has a human rights committee, which was established in 2002 to monitor and promote the respect of human rights in the country. The committee is an independent body, composed of representatives from various sectors, such as government, civil society, and academia. The committee has the mandate to investigate and report on human rights violations, provide legal assistance and advice to victims, raise awareness and education on human rights, and cooperate with regional and international human rights organizations.The committee also has a special unit for the protection of the rights of migrant workers, which provides them with various services, such as legal aid, mediation, and repatriation.
8. Qatar has faced criticism and controversy for its treatment of migrant workers, especially in relation to the preparation for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Qatar has been accused of violating the rights and dignity of migrant workers, who have been subjected to poor working and living conditions, low wages, delayed payments, confiscation of passports, restriction of movement, forced labor, and abuse. Qatar has also been accused of under-reporting the number of migrant workers who have died of heat stroke, accidents, or other causes. Qatar has denied these allegations, and claimed that it has taken measures to improve the situation and protect the welfare of migrant workers.
9. Qatar has the authority to deport any foreigner who breaches the law, threatens the security, or damages the public interest of the country. The Minister of Interior issues the deportation order, which can be challenged within 15 days. The deported person is prohibited from entering Qatar again for a certain period, depending on the cause and severity of the breach. Some of the usual causes for deportation are visa expiry, illegal work, criminal offence, or immoral or unlawful activities.
10. Qatar has a naturalization system, which grants Qatari citizenship to foreigners who meet certain criteria, such as residence, language, good conduct, and profession. The naturalization process is regulated by the Ministry of Interior, and requires the approval of the Emir. The naturalization applicant must renounce their original nationality, and swear allegiance to the Emir and the constitution of Qatar. The naturalized citizen enjoys the same rights and duties as the native citizen, except for some political and military restrictions. The naturalization process is very selective and rare, and only a few foreigners have been granted Qatari citizenship.

Conclusion: Qatar is a destination that will surprise and delight you, and make you want to come back again and again. However, to enjoy your trip and avoid any trouble, you should be aware of the dos and don'ts of Qatar's immigration system. By following these tips, you can ensure that you have a safe, enjoyable, and memorable trip to this amazing country.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information and should not be construed as legal advice. Please consult with a qualified and experienced Lawyer for personalized guidance regarding your specific situation.