Qatar

The immigration law of Qatar is relatively restrictive and it is vague in many respects, leading to a great deal of discretion at all steps of every process.

 

Requirements, processing times, employment eligibility, and benefits for accompanying family members vary by visa classification.  

 

Work - Business Visas allow an initial stay of up to 30 days, with two 30-day extensions available at the Qatari authorities’ discretion for a total stay of up to 90 days. Qatar is unique in that hands-on work activities are permitted in business visitor status.  

 

All individuals wishing to seek employment in Qatar must secure a Work Visa and Residence Permit through the sponsorship of a Qatari host entity. If the sponsoring entity is established in Qatar mainland, a labor quota Block Visa must be obtained. The Block Visa specifies the number of visas awarded for individuals of a specified nationality and gender for a defined job title. Once a Block Visa that matches a candidate's profile — based on job title, nationality and gender — is available, a Work Visa, valid for up to 180 days for entry to Qatar, is issued. Extensions are possible. Block Visas are not required in the free zones.  

 

Note that nationals of the following countries may be considered restricted, and their work authorization applications will be reviewed on a discretionary basis: Afghanistan, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Palestine, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, Vietnam, and Yemen.  Affected nationalities may change frequently and without notice.  Additionally, if operating in one of Qatar's free trade zones or free trade zone-like areas, the Department of Labor is not involved in the work permit process, and the requirements may be more lenient.