Qatar: Longer Validity Period but Stricter Application Rules for Some Multiple Entry Work Visa Applicants
August 14, 2024
Effective immediately, nationals of Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka are subject to new Multiple Entry Work Visa (MEWV) application and validity period rules.
The validity period of MEWVs for the above nationals may now be up to 12 months (to match the maximum allowable employment contract duration), depending on the initial labor quota residence duration. Previously, the validity period was only up to 180 days (an initial 90-day period with an option to extend for a further 90 days).
Additionally, the above nationals must now complete medical and biometric procedures in their home country at their local Qatar Visa Centre; whereas previously such applicants were not required to submit any medical or biometric data. Furthermore, the above nationals’ sponsoring company (except those in the Qatar Financial Centre Freezone, who are exempt from this new rule) must now provide an employment contract (which includes salary details) to the Qatar Visa Centre as part of the MEWV application process. Previously, sponsoring employers were not required to provide their applicants’ employment contracts to any authority as part of the application process.
These new rules increase the attractiveness of MEWVs for the affected nationals given the increased validity period, but also present an administrative challenge for employers and applicants given the additional application requirements.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
Explore more at Fragomen
Podcast
David Kipp von der Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik im Gespräch mit Marius Tollenaere, Partner im Frankfurter Büro von Fragomen.
Blog post
Partner Dan Schwarz and Senior Associate Mikhail (Mike) Izrailev provide an overview of the EB-5 visa program, highlighting its benefits and key considerations for potential investors.
Blog post
Business Immigration Consultant Ryaihanny Sahrom discusses Timor-Leste's ASEAN debut and its impact on regional mobility.
Blog post
Destination Services Manager Ali Sikandar provides essential information for expats navigating the Saudi real estate market.
Blog post
This blog highlights the most significant immigration developments shaping the Middle East and Africa in 2025, drawing from Fragomen’s upcoming 2025 Regional Immigration Overviews—available mid-July.
Video
Immigration Consultant Azela Hadia covers everything you need to know about French citizenship by decree, a legal process through which a foreign national can acquire French nationality.
Blog post
This blog provides an overview of the key factors to consider when deciding in which jurisdiction to set up a company in the UAE.
Media mentions
Manager Alexander Hood explains how the UK’s Global Talent visa helps tech founders start and grow businesses without employer sponsorship.
Blog post
Partner Siobhan Owers and Senior Associate Asif Hanif discuss the latest UK immigration announcements and their impact on the future of care work.
Media mentions
Senior Business Immigration Analyst Rabaa Biry recently shared her journey to Canada and how support and perseverance helped shape her path forward.
Fragomen news
Media mentions
Partner Abeer Al Husseini highlights how Saudi Arabia’s growing film industry is creating jobs, attracting global talent and supporting economic diversification.
Podcast
David Kipp von der Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik im Gespräch mit Marius Tollenaere, Partner im Frankfurter Büro von Fragomen.
Blog post
Partner Dan Schwarz and Senior Associate Mikhail (Mike) Izrailev provide an overview of the EB-5 visa program, highlighting its benefits and key considerations for potential investors.
Blog post
Business Immigration Consultant Ryaihanny Sahrom discusses Timor-Leste's ASEAN debut and its impact on regional mobility.
Blog post
Destination Services Manager Ali Sikandar provides essential information for expats navigating the Saudi real estate market.
Blog post
This blog highlights the most significant immigration developments shaping the Middle East and Africa in 2025, drawing from Fragomen’s upcoming 2025 Regional Immigration Overviews—available mid-July.
Video
Immigration Consultant Azela Hadia covers everything you need to know about French citizenship by decree, a legal process through which a foreign national can acquire French nationality.
Blog post
This blog provides an overview of the key factors to consider when deciding in which jurisdiction to set up a company in the UAE.
Media mentions
Manager Alexander Hood explains how the UK’s Global Talent visa helps tech founders start and grow businesses without employer sponsorship.
Blog post
Partner Siobhan Owers and Senior Associate Asif Hanif discuss the latest UK immigration announcements and their impact on the future of care work.
Media mentions
Senior Business Immigration Analyst Rabaa Biry recently shared her journey to Canada and how support and perseverance helped shape her path forward.
Fragomen news
Media mentions
Partner Abeer Al Husseini highlights how Saudi Arabia’s growing film industry is creating jobs, attracting global talent and supporting economic diversification.