Attention expats in the Gulf and those on visit visas: Changes in regulations

DOHA: Qatar has introduced new changes to its visa rules. The updated regulations were announced by Captain Ali Ahmed Ali Al Kuwari of the Airport Passports Department during a webinar on safe travel procedures organised by the Public Relations Department of the Ministry of Interior.

The Ministry of Interior has reduced the grace period for expatriates to leave the country after the cancellation of their residence permit (Iqama). Al Kuwari said that the previous 30-day period has now been reduced to 14 days. Those who continue to stay in Qatar after the revised grace period will be fined 10 Qatari riyals per day (around Rs 250). Authorities have advised travellers to check their visit visa status and any pending fines through the Metrash app before travelling.

Visitors arriving on visit visas must carefully check the visa validity period and the number of permitted stay days mentioned in their passports. People who remain in Qatar illegally after their visit visa expires will have to pay a fine of 200 Qatari riyals per day (around Rs 5,000).