Qatar has reduced the grace period granted to expatriates for exiting the country after their residence permits are cancelled, cutting it from 30 days to just 14 days, according to a report by Gulf News. The revised rule was announced by a Ministry of Interior official during a webinar on safe travel procedures organised by the ministry’s Public Relations Department.
Captain Ali Ahmed Ali Al Kuwari of the Airport Passports Department stated that the post-cancellation stay period has now been officially shortened. “Earlier it was 30 days, but currently it is two weeks,” he said during the session.
Under the new regulation, individuals who remain in Qatar beyond the 14-day grace period will be fined QR10 (approximately ₹260) per day. The announcement is especially significant for thousands of expatriates, including a large Indian workforce, who may need to quickly adjust their travel or employment plans following residence permit cancellations.
Al Kuwari further warned that overstaying a visit visa will also attract a penalty of QR200 (approximately ₹5,260) per day. He advised travellers to carefully verify their visa validity and duration of stay to avoid violations.
Residents have been urged to regularly check their status using the Metrash mobile application before travel, including any pending fines, overstay penalties, or other dues that could impact their journey. The official also encouraged passengers to use the electronic gate system at Hamad International Airport, which currently operates 76 e-gates across arrival and departure terminals to streamline immigration procedures.
Additionally, residents seeking to transfer their residence permit to a new passport can complete the process via the Metrash app. Addressing rules related to newborns, Al Kuwari noted that births must be reported to passport authorities and proper residency documents must be obtained. A child born in Qatar must secure a residence permit under the father’s sponsorship through the required embassy procedures, failing which re-entry into Qatar would not be permitted after departure.
Recent Random Post:
