Qatar’s Ministry of Interior Implements Updated Family Entry Regulations
11 December 2023 – In a significant move aimed at easing family reunification, Qatar’s Ministry of Interior (MoI) has revised several regulations and procedures concerning the entry of family members of residence permit holders. These updates are designed to simplify the process for families wishing to reside in or visit Qatar, reflecting the country’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the quality of life for its residents.
New Conditions for Family Residency
One of the primary components of the new regulations is the criteria set for families wishing to reside in Qatar. The conditions vary based on the sector of employment, as outlined below:
- Government and Semi-Government Sector: Employees must be provided with family housing by their Qatari employer and have a minimum monthly salary of QAR 10,000, as verified by their employment contract.
- Private Sector: Employees must be in technical or specialized fields (non-labor) and hold a minimum salary of QAR 10,000. Alternatively, a salary of QAR 6,000 is acceptable if family housing is confirmed within the employment contract.
General conditions also apply to family residency applications. For instance, dependent children must be under the age of 25, and daughters must be unmarried. Additionally, all dependents must be enrolled in health insurance that covers their entire stay, effective from their date of entry into Qatar.
Updated Conditions for Family Visits
For those looking to invite family members for a visit, the MoI has established specific conditions. The sponsoring resident must be employed in a non-labor capacity and earn a minimum salary of QAR 5,000. Here are the key requirements for family visits:
- Evidence of family housing accredited by the relevant authorities must be presented.
- Relatives visiting should fall within the permissible degrees of relation as outlined by the MoI.
- No specific age limit is imposed on visitors, allowing for a broader range of family members to visit.
- Mention of mandatory health insurance that covers the duration of the visitor’s stay in Qatar is a crucial aspect of the application process.
It’s worth noting that all applications for family residency and visits must be submitted electronically through the Metrash2 app or the MoI’s official website. This electronic process is intended to streamline the submission and approval of applications, making it more efficient for residents and their families.
For further details on these updates, interested individuals can click here.
Deloitte’s Perspective
Deloitte has expressed a favorable view regarding the MoI’s revisions, indicating that these changes are aimed at streamlining the process for families wishing to visit or reside in Qatar. The revisions reflect a commitment to enhancing the quality of services rendered by the MoI, creating a more welcoming environment for expatriates and their families.
As these updated procedures and regulations are now in effect, stakeholders are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the new guidelines to ensure a smooth application process. The MoI is expected to provide further updates, and the situation will be monitored closely to adapt to any future changes.
