Qatar MoI warns illegal visa trading carries up to 3 years jail, QR50,000 fine

Qatar's Ministry of Interior (MoI) has warned that illegal visa trading can bring up to three years in prison and fines of up to QR50,000 for a first offence. The fine rises to QR100,000 for repeat violations. The penalties were set out at a webinar run by the ministry's Search and Follow-up Department.

The Peninsula Qatar reported the figures, and Gulf Times carried a similar account of the same webinar. This article compares what the two outlets reported.

What happened?

The The Peninsula Qatar reported that the Search and Follow-up Department, which sits under the MoI, organised the webinar. It said the session covered violations of Law No. 21 of 2015 regulating the entry, exit and residence of expatriates in Qatar. Gulf Times said the webinar took place on Thursday.

Who is involved?

Both outlets name Major Saud Hamad Alburaidi as the speaker. He is head of the Detention Section at the Search and Follow-up Department. According to The Peninsula Qatar, the department operates under the General Directorate of Passports and enforces the law on entry, exit and residency violations. Gulf Times said it follows up on violations involving entry permits, residency requirements, sponsorship regulations and the conditions governing expatriates' stay in Qatar.

What penalties were outlined?

Gulf Times quoted Major Alburaidi as saying that people engaging in illegal visa trading face a jail term of up to three years and a fine of up to QR50,000, with the fine going up to QR100,000 if the offence is repeated. The Peninsula Qatar reported the same figures for visa trading.

The Peninsula Qatar added that employers who let workers they recruited work for other entities, or who employ workers they did not recruit, may face up to three years in prison and fines of up to QR50,000 for a first offence. The fine rises to QR100,000 for repeat violations.

The Peninsula Qatar also reported that employers who fail to notify the competent authorities within the prescribed 14-day period in specified cases may face fines of up to QR50,000. Employers who do not complete residence permit issuance or renewal within the stipulated timeframe, which must not exceed 90 days from the permit's expiry, may face fines of up to QR10,000. Gulf Times reported the same QR10,000 fine for failing to process and renew an employee's visa within 90 days of expiry.

Gulf Times further reported Major Alburaidi as saying that anyone who enters or leaves the country through a point other than the approved ones faces a jail term of three years and a fine of QR50,000.

What did officials say about enforcement and help?

Gulf Times reported that the department takes legal action against individuals and companies that break the law. It said violations may include overstaying entry visas, failing to renew residency permits in time, working or staying in breach of visa conditions, and absconding or leaving work. Depending on the circumstances, Major Alburaidi said the department may refer cases to the prosecution. Gulf Times added that the department investigates suspected visa-trading offences, inspects commercial establishments and offices, and collects fines imposed under the law.

Gulf Times also reported that the department urged expatriates who have overstayed but have no pending cases or legal proceedings to approach it voluntarily and request help with their departure. The Follow-Up Section will review each case and determine the necessary procedures, Major Alburaidi said. The Peninsula Qatar similarly reported that the department receives people who surrender themselves over legal violations and wish to leave the country.

The Peninsula Qatar said Major Alburaidi urged employers to document employment contracts, provide adequate accommodation, complete residence permit procedures within the deadlines, and comply with the rules on employing expatriates.

Gulf Times reported that expatriates can use the MoI's official website and unified service centres. Those whose cases stay unresolved may go to the department's headquarters on Salwa Road for further guidance.