Day to Day Qatar

Whether you are a resident or a visitor to Qatar, there are many things to know about your stay in Qatar, from day to day activities to government tasks. Visas See Traveller Information in the Discovering Qatar section.

Accidents and Medical Emergencies Call 999.

Ministry of Interior

The Ministry of Interior (MOI) is concerned with maintaining security, public order and morals, protecting lives, ensuring the safety and security of the country, citizens and all those who reside in the State of Qatar or enter its territory, take all necessary means to prevent crimes, organise issues of nationality and entry and residence of expatriates, and more.

MOI is committed to keeping both citizens and residents continuously informed and updated about their services and ease of access to them. They can be found at portal.moi.gov.qa, on Twitter, YouTube and Facebook. Some services are available in Arabic, English, Hindi, Urdu, Tagalog and more to meet the diverse language needs of its users. For more information, call 234 2000

Whether you are a resident or a visitor to Qatar, dealing with one or more of the country's government offices is going to be a necessity at some point in your stay. You can access some services by visiting the offices and transacting directly with government officials; however, most services can be accessed online or on MOI's Metrash2 app.

Metrash2 look when you have government-related queries, offering more than 500 services. It serves as an access point to the many services provided by the government and allows everyone, visitors and residents alike, to make transactions online. Regularly updated, it has many e-services and links to various government ministries, councils, departments and institutions. It also provides information and articles about Qatar. Hukoomi is also available as an app on iOS and Android Registration: Some services, such as driving licences, require online registration with a Qatari ID card for residents and nationals or a passport number for users outside Qatar.

Government Contact Center

The Government Contact Center offers 24-hour customer service to citizens and residents. It is the point of contact for all government e-service related inquiries. If you experience any difficulty in accessing Hukoomi e-services, or have questions about your transactions, contact the centre by phone, email or submit an electronic support ticket. The Contact Center can be reached via telephone at 109/4406 9999, or via live chat. The email address is contact@ hukoomi.qa. You may also submit your enquiry electronically through their online support ticket system.

• Personal and corporate traffic services

MOI's Metrash2 app enables residents of Qatar to access more than 150 MOI services that save time, while enjoying the convenience of using their smartphones. Metrash2 includes: Visa services

MOI will only accept credit, debit and eCASH cards as payment for many services including visas, residence permit applications and renewals, and payment of fines.

• RP services

• Exit permit issue

• General MOI enquiries

MOI's Emergency Service for the Deaf 992 uses advanced technological equipment to enable users to contact the emergency centre by:

• Dialling 992 using a 3G camera from their computer or mobile phone.

• Sending an SMS to 992 mentioning clearly the type of the problem and service needed – such as Ambulance, Civil Defence or Police – and the name of the user, address, and the injuries or deaths if any.

• Emailing 992@moi.gov.qa

Hukoomi

The award-winning government website, hukoomi. gov.qa, available in English and Arabic, is Qatar's official e-government portal and the first place to

The eCASH Card is a non-personalised prepaid card, obtainable from Qatar National Bank (QNB), which can be used to pay for such fees at ministries and government departments displaying the eCASH symbol. To purchase the card you need to show your ID card, or if you are a non-resident, your passport.

Features: Valid for two years • No bank account needed • Reloading facility • Refundable credit in case of card loss or cancellation • Available to visitors and residents • Check balances and reload at any QNB ATM.

Cost: One-off issuance fee of QAR20 • Reload with a minimum of QAR50.

Issuing counters at:

Traffic Department branches: Madinat Khalifa (HQ) C3, Al Maamoura D4/E4, E Ring Road/Old Airport (Al Matar Al Qadeem) D4.

Immigration Department branches: Al Gharrafa C2, the Industrial Area, Hamad International Airport (HIA) D5, Al Wakra F5 and Al Khor.

Report your lost or stolen card as soon as possible. To report any suspicious transaction not initiated by yourself, call your bank, some of which have dedicated fraud lines.

Government Apps

Amerni Provides residents access to services of the Ministry of Labour to perform personal and corporate services such as those related to housing, security or family affairs, and employment or establishment data.

EHTERAZ Created due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is the official contact tracing app by the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH). ehteraz.gov.qa

Hukoomi Enables the use of up to 650 online services accessible remotely without having to visit a government office. See above. hukoomi.gov.qa

Kahramaa By Qatar General Electricity & Water Corporation (Kahramaa) provides several e-services for residents including paying electricity and water bills, e-forms and e-bills services.

Metrash2 Offers residents an easy way to access MOI services through their mobile devices including enquiring about official documents, creating and paying for individual/company exit permits, enquiring about and settling traffic violations, and more.

Oun Helps users in Qatar to access the services provided by the Ministry of Municipality such as pest control, tree-pruning and rain water removal, among other services.

Qatar Digital ID (QDI) Aims to reduce identity theft crimes in cyberspace. Launched in May 2022 by MOI, it includes all cards issued by MOI, including your Qatari ID, driving licence, and car licence. In addition, it provides storage and accessibility services for other official cards, and electronically signed and sealed transactions for individuals at MOI. The digital wallet offers the highest degree of confidence for users to obtain their digital identity securely and easily.

Sila A navigation app launched by the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MOTC) in 2021, bringing together Qatar's public transport modes into an integrated network – metro, bus, tram and taxi. sila.qa

There are other important apps such as the Ministry of Commerce and Industry's MOCIQatar app and HIA Qatar. There is also Nar'aakom, which allows people in Qatar to benefit from many of Primary Health Care Corporation's (PHCC) digital services from their smartphones. All government apps are available on iOS and Android.

Useful Documents/Processing

You need to prove your identity in Qatar for all government and commercial transactions, so have plenty of:

• Passport-size photos and several copies of the passport of each family member.

• Copies of your marriage (attested) and birth certificates.

• Original educational qualifications (copies are not accepted), which will need to be authenticated in your country of origin, along with a Bonafide Certificate.

Translating a document: The official language in Qatar is Arabic. Each page of each document must bear the translation firm’s official stamp for it to be considered valid.

Mandoub: Most organisations offer help to their employees on arrival and have a mandoub, a government liaison officer who is responsible for completing much of the official documentation.

Government Services Complex: There are government service complexes across the country – Al Wakra, Al Daayen, Al Sheehaniya, Mesaimeer, Onaiza, Al Zubara, Al Hilal (C Ring Road), Al Rayyan, Umm Slal and The Pearl Island. Opening times: Sun to Thu 7:30 am – 1 pm/3 pm – 7 pm, Fri and Sat closed. Government Contact Center 109

The complex provides the services of six ministries and government entities, namely: Labour; Justice; Commerce and Industry; Foreign Affairs; Education and Higher Education; and Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa).

The Qatar Labour Law – Kafala

The Ministry of Labour was established by virtue of the Amiri Decree No 57 of 2021, replacing the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs. The government authority organises labour affairs, and implements labour laws and regulations. mol.gov.qa, 16008

E-services: The Ministry of Labour's website mol.gov.qa offers more than 40 services for companies and individuals, including bilateral contracts, work permits, requesting and extending temporary work visas, requesting and managing registration of establishment records and administrators, labour complaints and disputes, and more.

Since 2018, Qatar has been taking major steps to reform its labour laws, and ease restrictions of the Kafala or employee sponsorship system, including abolishing exit permits, removing the no objection certificate (NOC) requirement, introducing a minimum wage and more.

The relationship between an employer and employee is regulated by the Qatar Labour Law. A copy of this can be downloaded via Hukoomi or read on qatarLabourlaw.com/qatar-Labour-law, qatarLabourlaw.com/amendments

Sponsorship: All expatriate workers in Qatar require sponsorship to work in the country.

Minimum wage: According to Law No 17 of 2020 on Setting the Minimum Wage for Workers and Domestic Workers, the minimum wage for all private sector workers, including domestic workers, is set at QAR1,000 per month as a basic wage, as well as QAR500 per month allocated by the employer for accommodation expenses and QAR300 per month for food, unless the employer already provides adequate food or accommodation for the employee or domestic worker.

Working hours: A 48-hour week is the maximum allowed under Qatar Labour Law without overtime pay. Government offices and many private companies have a two-day weekend on Friday and Saturday, although a one-day holiday on Friday is still common in the private sector.

Hours of business: Government offices tend to work a single shift 7 am – 2 pm; private companies may work a single shift or split morning/late afternoon shifts with longer hours.

Contract: Three copies of the employment contract should be signed by both parties. The employer and employee each retain a copy, the third copy is kept at the Ministry of Labour C4 after verifying it.

It is illegal for sponsors to keep their employees' passport and travel documents after the visa formalities are over. Sponsor fine: not less than QAR10,000.

End of service benefits: Employees completing a period of continuous service for more than one year are entitled to an end of service benefit on the termination or expiry of the contract of employment. This has been mandatory in the labour law since 2005.

The adoption of Law No 19 of 2020 provides greater clarity regarding termination of employment. To terminate an employment contract and change jobs, workers must provide at least one month’s written notice if they have worked with the employer for two years or less, or two months’ notice if they have worked with the employer for over two years.

Workplace Disputes

The Amir, HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani issued Law No 13 of 2017 amending some provisions of the Labour Law, and forming the Labour Dispute Resolution Committee. All labour disputes are received through the Ministry of Labour to resolve. The maximum period for reviewing the disputes before the committee is one month, including the time for any potential appeal.

Ministry of Labour: File your complaint at the ministry's Labour Relation Department within one year of the event with the section for workers’ rights and grievances. Labour complaints by either a company or an individual can also be filed online on the Ministry of Labour website mol.gov.qa, 16008

National Human Rights Committee in Qatar: Protects and consolidates human rights of all, subject to the jurisdiction of Qatar. Hotline 800 2222, SMS number 119, nhrc-qa.org

Register at your Embassy

All nationals working or residing in Qatar are advised to contact their country’s embassy to register or subscribe to its services. See Foreign Embassies in the Discovering Qatar section for contact details.

Residence/Work Permits

Expatriate workers must have a residence permit for themselves and each member of their family unless they fall into exempted categories. You need a Qatari sponsor to obtain a residence work permit enabling you to sponsor your family.

Work residence permit: QAR1,260 per year (QAR1,000 annual fee, QAR100 for the ID card, QAR100 for the Labour Department paperwork costs, QAR60 for validation stamps). Work Residence Permits are renewed each year by the expatriate’s employer. It is usually the sponsor’s responsibility to deal with all the paperwork and to pay the annual fee at the Immigration Department in Al Gharrafa C2, the Industrial Area E2 or Mesaimeer E3. Families residing in Al Wakra F5 and Al Khor should apply locally.

Register as a working woman (on husband’s sponsorship): QAR500 per year. Women on family sponsorship can work in Qatar without a separate residence work permit by obtaining a licence from the Ministry of Labour's Women’s Section. When you have been offered a job, the company must obtain an application form from the Labour Department and submit it with the following:

• Three original copies of your employment contract (QAR60 for authentication).

• A no objection letter (NOC) signed by the family sponsor giving his consent for you to work.

• Originals and photocopies of passports and ID for you and your family sponsor.

• Originals and photocopies of all your relevant academic and professional qualifications.

• A certificate of good conduct from the MOI.

• Copy of your resignation letter from your previous employment (if applicable).

• A photograph and fees.

Payment: Via credit card or eCash card from Qatar National Bank (QNB) sold on or near the premises.

Family residence permit: Spouse and child over 18 – QAR500 per year, child under 18 – QAR400. Every member of the family residing in Qatar, including babies, must have an individual family residence permit. Holders of residence work permits can sponsor their immediate family (spouse and children) if they earn over QAR10,000 a month. Workers are allowed to sponsor their sons under 25 years of age who have not completed university studies and unmarried daughters of any age. The sponsorship law allows women in independent jobs to sponsor their husband and children (conditions apply).

The General Directorate of Passports is in the process of introducing new procedures that will enable people to submit their family residency applications electronically and online via the Hukoomi website, Metrash2 and the internal services system.

Documents required: Salary certificate from employer; copies of passports of family members; attested marriage, birth and degree certificates

(as required); copy of electricity bill; six months worth of bank statements; stamped and registered accomodation lease. Final approval of the residence permit depends on the decision of the recruitment committee. Check hukoomi.gov.qa in case of changes.

Domestic staff residence permit: QAR300 per year (on personal sponsorship). Employees must have a minimum salary and be married with a resident working spouse in Qatar (proof of which is required). Fill in the application form at your local Immigration Department. There are sometimes restrictions on the nationality you can employ so check before you start the process.

In August 2017, HH the Amir ratified Law No 15 on service workers in the home (Domestic Workers Law). The cabinet adopted the law in February 2018. The law guarantees workers a maximum 10-hour workday, a weekly rest day, three weeks of annual leave, and an end-of-service payment of at least three weeks per year.

Recruiting privately: Obtain the visa yourself for domestic staff (or use the office mandoub), register a contract with the Qatar Labour Department and complete any paperwork with the national’s embassy in Qatar. You must then go through an official recruitment agency to complete the entry process. Domestic workers in Qatar earn an average of QAR1,500 a month.

Requirements and regulations are subject to change so please check when applying.

Recruitment agencies: These have a list of staff for you to choose from and will complete all the formalities for you.

Medical Procedures For Residence Permits Qatar makes it mandatory for workers from several Asian, African and Middle Eastern countries to submit a health certificate before their entry into the country. You must complete these procedures before you can get a residence work permit or family residency:

Blood-type certificate: This can be obtained from any clinic for both adults and children. You must have this certificate before going for your medical test.

Medical test: This includes a blood test (not to be confused with blood type) and a chest X-ray, for adults only, carried out by the Medical Commission in Abu Hamour E3, 4467 9111. Cost QAR100. Alternatively the service can be provided at Al Ahli Hospital, Doha Clinic, Al Emadi Hospital or American Hospital Doha. moph.gov.qa

Fingerprinting: A few days after completing the medical test, only adults need to go for electronic fingerprinting. Headquarters are at Salwa Road (by the Industrial Area Interchange) F2, open Sunday to Thursday 6:30 am – 5:30 pm, 234 6666. Other service centres are located in Al Khor, Al Shamal, Duhail B3, the Industrial Area E2 and Mesaimeer E3. Large organisations can ask the MOI’s mobile unit to do fingerprints on site.

Collecting Residence Card: Usually ready after three days to one week; collect from the issuing office, Immigration Department, Al Gharrafa C2, 4489 0333 The Residence Permit sticker in the passport has been abolished and replaced by an all-encompassing Residence Card, also held by children.

Residence Permit

A Residence Permit (RP) is an identity card, which is compulsory for all residents of Qatar, including children, with a work or family residence permit. It is issued after the formalities for residence permits are completed and can be used instead of your passport for all transactions in Qatar. Carry your card with you at all times.

The card bears your name, nationality, date of birth, occupation, an ID number and its validity. Containing personal data of the holder, the card also bears your passport number, passport expiry date, residency type, sponsor's name, signature and more. The cards also have electronic chips for storing personal and biometric data. You will be required to present your card every time you enter and exit the country. It will also be accepted at airlines/airports around the world as the official document to prove residence in Qatar.

Renew a Residence Permit

Your sponsor must renew your residence work permit, but you can renew your family’s residence permits.

In October 2021, HH the Amir issued Law No 22 of 2021 on Regulating Healthcare Services (The Healthcare Services Law), making it compulsory for expatriates and visitors to have private health insurance in order to receive basic medical services. Health insurance is also required for a new RP or for renewal, but check with Hukoomi and the relevant ministry for current or up to date requirements.

Qatar Post’s e-Resident online service: You can renew your Residence Permit and passport with an optional home delivery service via Metrash2 and Qatar Post. To apply at Qatar Post, get ID Card application forms at the General Post Office in Al Dafna C3; the form must be completed and signed by both applicant and sponsor. Submit with a valid passport, ID, one photo and the relevant fee, either to the Post Office or Immigration Department. Cost: Spouse or child over 18 years – QAR500; child under 18 years – QAR300; domestic staff – QAR300. Additional charges apply for the renewal of the ID card and processing fees – QAR20. Call Centre 104, qatarpost.qa

Renew online: Fill out the required information via the online application form. Select renewal period (from one to three years), select delivery option and pay the appropriate fees, portal.moi. gov.qa. MOI currently has Self-service Machines (SSMs) at at least 15 locations including the main post office, Landmark Mall, Villaggio Mall, Royal Plaza, Hamad International Airport, Lulu Hypermarket – D Ring Road, MOI headquarters, MOI Services building at Mesaimeer, MOI Traffic Department, Police Training Institute, Education City, and MOI administrative building. Visit hukoomi.gov.qa for details of all locations. Users, both individuals and licensed company representatives, can renew certain residence cards, collect exit permits, pay traffic violations, check expiry dates of passports, visas, driving licences and more.

The MOI has added 17 new e-services on Metrash2, including residency services, employment complaints, financial claims, applications for recruitment approval, establishment card services and more.

To issue a new RP, fingerprinting is necessary.

Exit Permits

The Amir, HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani signed Law No 13 of 2018 (Amending Law) in September 2018, amending certain provisions of Law No 21 of 2015 that required all migrant workers getting permission from their employers before leaving Qatar. The amended law, which came into effect in October 2018, allows most migrant workers covered by the Labour Law to leave the country without having to obtain an exit permit.

Decision No 95 of 2019 was issued to allow expatriates in the following categories to have the freedom to temporarily or permanently leave the country during the period of validity of their employment contract: staff in ministries and other government agencies; employees in public bodies and institutions; employees in the oil and gas sector and affiliated companies; employees working on marine vessels; workers engaged in agriculture and grazing; and workers in private offices. As per Decision No 95 of 2019, domestic workers should notify employers at least 72 hours prior to the departure.

In September 2018, the Ministry of Labour announced that employers may submit names of up to 5% of its employees who will continue to require exit permits. Companies need to upload the list of such employees on the ministry's website. The ministry will then move those lists to the MOI. Employers are not required to seek an employee’s consent prior to including a name on the list. Wives and dependent children under the sponsorship of their husbands or fathers do not require an exit permit.

The Expat Exit Grievance Committee remains in place to accept complaints from workers prevented from leaving the country for any reason. Until advised otherwise, the following fees remain in place for those who still require an exit permit: qa. Sponsors can issue the permit via the internet and their mobile phones worldwide.

Multiple use exit permits for expatriates: Valid for one year – QAR500.

Exit permit for those sponsored by companies or organisations: Valid for one week – No charge.

Exit permit for those on personal sponsorship: Valid for one week – No charge.

Electronic exit permits: Government agencies and private companies can issue exit permits electronically through an authorised signatory within seconds using Metrash2 or portal.moi.gov.

Manually processed exit permits: Many smaller organisations still process exit permits by hand. The mandoub is licensed as a company representative to obtain this on your behalf. Paperwork must be signed by your sponsor and bear the company stamp. Permits must be presented, along with your passport, at the Immigration counter at Departures. Overstay fines: Check hukoomi.gov.qa for current fees.

Online visa/permit information Detailed information about all types of visas and visa applications in English can be found online at hukoomi.gov.qa or portal.moi.gov.qa eGate The MOI has activated free eGate service for expatriate passengers at the arrivals and departures terminal of Hamad International Airport (HIA). Expatriates and their children above 18 years of age can avail of the service using their residence cards or passports after registration at the airport. HIA currently has 40 e-gates installed – 21 at the departures terminal and 19 at the arrivals terminal. The service comes under the 'smart passengers' project launched in early 2017.

Health Related Services

Health Cards

To access the government healthcare system and facilities, it is essential to apply for a health card. This can be issued only after you obtain a residence permit. Babies under one year receive free vaccinations and medical treatment under the state healthcare system. Cash is not accepted for payment at Primary Health Care Centres (PHCC) – only a valid debit or credit card or payment card obtainable from QNB (see eCASH cards, earlier in this section).

Application: Qatar guarantees health services to all citizens and residents in government medical institutions through a health card system. The system provides the cardholder with a medical record file containing all his/her medical data saved by healthcare centres and government hospitals. You can renew your health card online, or replace a lost or damaged card.

Process: Citizens and residents of Qatar may apply for a health card to access services at any of the government’s healthcare facilities or hospitals. It contains your ID number, nationality, photo and date of issue. To obtain a health card, visit the PHCC centre nearest to where you live. There you need to fill out the appropriate forms. You will be issued a PHCC health file number. The health centre will either issue you with your card immediately or ask you to return within a few days to collect it. Health cards are issued during morning working hours only. Call 107 or 16060 for more information. phcc.qa, hamad.qa

Cost: Qatari and other GCC adult residents and children QAR50; non-Qatari adult residents and children QAR100. If you lose your health card but it is still valid, Qatari nationals will need to pay QAR50 for a replacement, non-Qataris QAR100.

If you lose your health card and it has expired Qatari nationals will need to pay QAR100 for a replacement, non-Qataris QAR200. You must pay using a credit or debit card. No cash is accepted.

Renew or replace your health card: Through Hukoomi via these simple steps, hukoomi.gov.qa

Load the online application.

– Enter your ID number. Choose to renew, or 'Reprint' if you wish to replace your lost or damaged Health Card.

– Choose your preferred delivery option.

– Pay appropriate fees online.

Private Health Insurance

In October 2021, HH The Amir issued Law No 22 of 2021 on Regulating Healthcare Services (The Healthcare Services Law), which makes it compulsory for expatriates and visitors to have private health insurance in order to live in Qatar or visit the country. Some companies provide their employees with free health insurance (but this may be tied to using a local private hospital) or you can arrange your own. Many of the larger private clinics have various options, including family packages.

Health, home and life insurance

Vaccination

Vaccinations for overseas travel, for visitors to Qatar, and childhood immunisation are all available from the Vaccination Unit at Mesaimeer Health Centre E3, 4406 4222. The Communicable Disease Centre in Hamad Bin Khalifa Medical City C3/D3 operates the Travel Clinic where people can go for vaccinations and health advice before travelling. Vaccinations are by appointment only, 4025 4003. Some Primary Health Care Centers (PHCC) offer travel immunisation as well, 107

The Department of Health Protection and Communicable Disease Control and the expanded immunisation programme in Qatar have developed an advanced and modern child immunisation programme. The National Vaccination Committee is also constantly reviewing and making adjustments to the vaccination schedule in accordance with the trends of disease prevention in the country. Currently, there are 12 vaccines used in the national programme for basic vaccinations in Qatar, providing children with immunity against 14 diseases.

Some PHCC provide immunisation services to the public; obtain them, visit the hospital/health centre that you belong to. There are a number of private health facilities that also provide vaccination services, either under private health insurance or for a fee.

COVID-19 Vaccination Campaign

Qatar's COVID-19 vaccination campaign comprises Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, and AstraZeneca vaccines. All citizens and residents, aged 12 and above, regardless of their health conditions, can receive the COVID-19 vaccination. The current vaccination rollout includes two doses of the vaccine, plus a third booster dose for which all individuals are eligible from six months after receiving their second vaccine dose. A fourth dose is applicable to individuals 60 years of age and older, and those with chronic diseases at highrisk for severe COVID-19 infection. More than 2 mn people have been vaccinated in Qatar, which makes up 92% of the population.

4027 7077, covid19.moph.gov.qa