WORK IN QATAR As in most Gulf countries, working in Qatar requires local sponsorship. A foreign employee may only work for their sponsor. It is possible to change jobs and transfer sponsorship to a new employer only after the foreigner has worked at the sponsoring company for at least two years and has been granted a no objection certificate. In order to procure required permits for working in Qatar, the sponsoring company must hire a public relation officer (PRO) eligible to submit application and collect issued permits from the immigration authorities. The PRO must have supporting documents to prove his relation with the company in the immigration department. The standard immigration procedure for obtaining legal work and stay in Qatar can be divided into the following stages: Entry Permit: The employment visa (entry permit) is valid for six months and allows entry into Qatar to take up employment. A foreigner may start working after arrival, but within three months of entry their employer must complete the formalities in order for the foreigner to receive a residence permit. Medical Check: In order to apply for residence permit, health check is needed, including blood test and chest x-ray. Medical test appointment is arranged by the company PRO after arrival. If the sponsored employee is medically unfit, the immigration office may request their immediate repatriation. Fingerprinting: Fingerprints are taken as a requirement for residence permit application. Once medical results are published online, the PRO will arrange the necessary appointment. Residence Permit and ID card: Applications for residence permits and ID cards are made simultaneously by the PRO through the Immigration Department. Issued residence permit is valid for one to three years from the date of stamping. ID cards are issued with both visible data and biometric data. Residents should carry their ID cards with them at all times. IMPORTANT: An employment visa will only be issued to employees who are between the ages of 18-60. Above the age of 60, a special approval from the department of immigration is required. The employment visa for this particular age group will be revised and renewed yearly. A resident permit becomes invalid if the bearer stays outside Qatar fr over six months. A police clearance (certificate of good conduct) may be required prior to entry. Educational certificates need to be legalized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the home country, then attested by the Qatar Embassy, also in the home country. After arrival, attestation should be done by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Doha. Residents, except for sponsored family members, require an exit visa. Exit visas are granted based on sponsor permission and guarantee letter. Foreigners must first obtain their own permits before sponsoring family to join them by applying for their residence visas based on family unification. Attested marriage and birth certificates are required in case of applications for family members. There are no restrictions on the employment of women. Opportunities for such employment are determined by market demand and lie mainly in the teaching, medical professions and in administrative work. Our articles are for informational purposes only. If you are considering a move to Qatar for either business or longer-term work, specialists at OVAL TRAVELS AND TOURS can help set you and your company on the right track. Please feel free to contact our offices with questions at any stage of the immigration process. facebook/ovaltravel Oval Travels & Tours Oval travels & tours is a highly professional & efficient travel agency providing a wide range of travel services with a foundation built on experience,high quality service and expertise in travel and leisure industry.. Page: 132 like this
Posted on: Wed, 03 Jul 2013 14:38:30 +0000
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