Qatar

WORK VISA PROCESS — QATAR STEP 1 — JOB OFFER Receive a job offer from a Qatari employer. Insist on seeing the official contract before agreeing. STEP 2 — ENTRY VISA Your employer applies for an Employment Entry Visa at the Ministry of Interior. You receive a visa number to present at Qatar immigration on arrival. STEP 3 — MEDICAL TEST Complete medical fitness test at approved centers. Blood test and chest X-ray required. STEP 4 — QATAR ID (RESIDENCE PERMIT) Your employer processes your Qatar ID (similar to UAE's Emirates ID). This is your primary identification document. Carry it at all times. STEP 5 — HEALTH CARD Register with a Primary Health Care Centre (PHCC) for your government health card. This gives you access to subsidized healthcare. KAFALA REFORMS (2020 ONWARDS — MAJOR CHANGES) Qatar has introduced some of the most significant labor reforms in the Gulf: • Workers can change jobs WITHOUT employer's permission (after 1 year, or anytime with notice in many cases) • Workers can leave Qatar without an exit permit (No Objection Certificate abolished for most) • Minimum wage: QAR 1,000/month + QAR 500 food allowance + QAR 500 accommodation allowance • Workers can file complaints online through the Ministry of Labour portal IMPORTANT RIGHTS • Annual leave: 3 weeks per year minimum • End of Service Gratuity: 3 weeks per year of service • Overtime: 1.25x normal rate (1.5x on rest day) • Probation: Max 6 months • If employer fails to pay: Report to Ministry of Labour within 1 week FILE A COMPLAINT • Ministry of Labour hotline: 16008 • Online: adlsa.gov.qa • Labour Court: Free for workers