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
Video
#FragomenFC co-hosts are joined by Senior Associate Tuğba Özyakup and her cousin, Oğuzhan ("Ozzy") Özyakup, a professional footballer who has competed at the highest levels of the sport.
Blog post
Social Security Manager Gufran Al Bash provides a comprehensive guide to the GCC pension framework, detailing monthly contributions, employer responsibilities and compliance requirements.
Media mentions
Partner David Crawford discusses how Canada’s new Liberal government could bring more predictable immigration policies focused on labour needs.
Awards
Fragomen and Partner Rahul Soni were honored at the Invest In the USA (IIUSA) I-829 & I-526 Awards Ceremony in Houston, Texas, during the 2025 IIUSA EB-5 Industry Forum held from April 28-30, 2025.
Blog post
Partner Christian Dallman discusses how the automotive industry is navigating significant challenges related to tariffs, talent shortages and trade dynamics, marking a critical moment for its future.
Awards
Partner Cosmina Morariu of Fragomen in Canada received the Ecosystem Builder Award as part of the inaugural Semiconductor Achievement Awards, hosted by Canada’s Semiconductor Council.
Media mentions
Partner Rick Lamanna emphasises the need for long-term planning and consistent leadership to restore confidence in Canada’s immigration system.
Blog post
Partner Azeem Mohiuddin discusses how Qatar is implementing a strategic vision to develop a workforce that is prepared for future challenges and opportunities, highlighting the role of skilled migration in addressing gaps in the local workforce.
Media mentions
Partners Aaron Blumberg and Daniel Pierce discuss the SEVIS reversal and the continued challenges US international students may face.
Video
Practice Leader Kate Praphakornphiphat discusses Thailand’s Digital Nomad Visa—officially known as the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)—and how you can apply for it.
Media mentions
Partner Aaron Blumberg explains that children of H-1B visa holders must secure a new legal status or leave the US when their H-4 dependent visas expire at age 21.
Media mentions
Partner Kevin Miner discusses unusual biometrics requests in H-1B and I-140 cases, noting they depart from standard practice.
Video
#FragomenFC co-hosts are joined by Senior Associate Tuğba Özyakup and her cousin, Oğuzhan ("Ozzy") Özyakup, a professional footballer who has competed at the highest levels of the sport.
Blog post
Social Security Manager Gufran Al Bash provides a comprehensive guide to the GCC pension framework, detailing monthly contributions, employer responsibilities and compliance requirements.
Media mentions
Partner David Crawford discusses how Canada’s new Liberal government could bring more predictable immigration policies focused on labour needs.
Awards
Fragomen and Partner Rahul Soni were honored at the Invest In the USA (IIUSA) I-829 & I-526 Awards Ceremony in Houston, Texas, during the 2025 IIUSA EB-5 Industry Forum held from April 28-30, 2025.
Blog post
Partner Christian Dallman discusses how the automotive industry is navigating significant challenges related to tariffs, talent shortages and trade dynamics, marking a critical moment for its future.
Awards
Partner Cosmina Morariu of Fragomen in Canada received the Ecosystem Builder Award as part of the inaugural Semiconductor Achievement Awards, hosted by Canada’s Semiconductor Council.
Media mentions
Partner Rick Lamanna emphasises the need for long-term planning and consistent leadership to restore confidence in Canada’s immigration system.
Blog post
Partner Azeem Mohiuddin discusses how Qatar is implementing a strategic vision to develop a workforce that is prepared for future challenges and opportunities, highlighting the role of skilled migration in addressing gaps in the local workforce.
Media mentions
Partners Aaron Blumberg and Daniel Pierce discuss the SEVIS reversal and the continued challenges US international students may face.
Video
Practice Leader Kate Praphakornphiphat discusses Thailand’s Digital Nomad Visa—officially known as the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)—and how you can apply for it.
Media mentions
Partner Aaron Blumberg explains that children of H-1B visa holders must secure a new legal status or leave the US when their H-4 dependent visas expire at age 21.
Media mentions
Partner Kevin Miner discusses unusual biometrics requests in H-1B and I-140 cases, noting they depart from standard practice.