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To live and work in Qatar, you must have a Work Residence Permit (RP). It is also required to have a Qatari employer/sponsor (company or individual) to be eligible to apply for an RP. Once you get a job in Qatar, your employer is generally responsible for applying for this permit for you.

The issue of residence and work permits in Qatar has become easy and simple following the recent amendments introduced by the Government on the Labor Law, which has been marked by having flexibility in protecting all rights of the employees and employers.

Therefore, you can bring your family to live with you in Qatar. Meanwhile, your wife can work in Qatar, by registering in the Recruitment Department at the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labor and Social Affairs.

But, how to acquire a work permit? Here are the terms and conditions according to Qatar Labor Law:

Section 13:

1) Work permits shall be issued to non-citizens in accordance with the system of the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (MADLSA), based on the following conditions:

a.- The applicant has a valid passport.

b.- The applicant has a residence permit.

c.- The applicant has a good conduct certificate.

2) The work permit shall be valid for 2 years when issued for the first time, and may be renewed for the duration allowed by the residency permit.

3) The Council of Ministers shall determine the fees of the work permits and renewals and replacements and exemptions from fees. This also applies to the fees certifying the seals of corporations, private and public establishments, as well as work contracts, certificates and other documents which are usually certified by the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs. *

* Amended by Act No. 5 of 1964. (G1/1964, subsection C was then replaced by Act No. 12 of 1987. (G5/1987).

Work Residence Permits are renewed annually by the expatriate's employer. But, what happens if your RP is cancelled? Can you still apply for new job opportunities in Qatar? Read this article for your guide: Can You Still Apply for Jobs in Qatar If Your Residence Permit is Cancelled or Banned?

Section 14:

The Labour Ministry may cancel the work permits in the following cases:

1) If the worker to whom the permit was issued violated any of the conditions upon which the permit was granted;

2) If the worker becomes unemployed for a period of more than three consecutive months. *

Worker’s Permit Cancellation

Just recently, the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) clarified the cases in which a non-Qatari worker's permit may be cancelled under the provisions of Law No. 14 of 2004 Labor Law.

MoJ stated that there are three cases in which the Minister may cancel the work permit granted to a non-Qatari worker, and they are as follows:

• Unjustified cessation of employment for a period of more than 3 months.

• Work for someone other than the employer for whom a work permit was issued.

• Dismissal of a worker following a disciplinary action.

To avoid getting your RP cancelled, fulfill your duties and responsibilities with your employer while staying in Qatar for work. Learn more about Qatar Law by visiting the website of B2C Solutions, a manpower company in Qatar, specializing in outsourcing services.

Read also: What are your Obligations to Your Employer? – Legal Terms for Expats with Jobs in Qatar

For your recruitment and employment needs, contact B2C’s professional team of recruiters today.