Qatar Basic Laws and Regulations: What you need to know?
Is it your first time to go abroad? If yes, well have this in mind. Before migrating or planning a trip to any destination it is important to know that you should not break the law of the country at any point of time. As the saying goes, Ignorance of the Law, Excuses no one. For this, it would be wise to keep yourself updated about the basic laws in the destination that you plan to visit or reside in.
Qatar is not as liberal as UAE or Dubai, but is definitely more liberal than Saudi Arabia. Laws are strictly implemented and violation of any law are punishable depending on the extent of the violation. Here are some basic laws followed in the State of Qatar applicable for Expats:
Entry/Exit Requirements
Qatar can be reached by travelling through land, seas, and air. The country grants tourist and visit visas for nationals of most countries. Qatar has visitor travel arrangements with 33 countries, so for many tourists a visa will be issued upon arrival. Meanwhile, visit visas can be obtained at the borders but this only has a short period of validity. If you travel by land and sea you can apply at border points however sometimes you will have to apply for it in advance. Visitors who do not fall into the list of non-visa categories will have to obtain a tourist visa in advance through their embassies. And if you wish to exit the country, an exit permit from your sponsor is also needed especially for foreign nationals.
Once in, you should always carry a copy of your passport at all times, so that if questioned by local officials, proof of identity and citizenship is easily available. Before, employers were holding the passport of their employees during their stay but the new law has forbidden this practice except only for visa and immigration processing.
Qatar has restrictions for HIV/AIDS visitors and any other communicable disease, and does not permit individuals affected to live in the country. Medical exams are prerequisite especially for long term visitors and residents.
Customs Regulations
Qatar doesn't permit carrying of prohibited items such as knives, daggers, pornographic materials and many others. A special permit is needed if you wish to carry with you a firearm or ammunitions.
It should also be noted that trafficking in illegal drugs can lead to mandatory death penalty so never ever get involve in drugs if you still care about your life and your family.
For pet lovers who want to bring with them their pets, you have to obtain first an import permit from Ministry of Agriculture. But certain breed of dogs particularly large dogs and breeds that are otherwise aggressive are not allowed. Hence, application forms for import permit should be obtained through a sponsoring employer through the Ministry of Agriculture. Copy of pets health certificate and vaccination should be submitted together with the application form.
Identity Card
All permanent resident should have and carry an identity card with them all the time. For Expats, it is acquired after passing the medical exam. This card is required for all dealings with government ministries. It is also used for registration at banks, clubs, schools and others. Without this card you can't just go roaming around. Children below 18 years of age is not required to have ID.
Traffic Laws
If you wish to drive you should obtain your permanent Qatari driving license immediately upon arrival. You are not permitted to drive a vehicle using your home country drivers license unless you hold an international driving license.
You should also abide with their traffic regulations or else a big fine awaits for you. CCTV are found everywhere in the road so you can never scape a violation. A text message will be sent to you by traffic headquarters informing you of your violation and fine you need to settle if so happen you violated a traffic rule. Avoid also arguments on road over traffic incidents, particularly with Qatari nationals. You can be detained for injuries you have caused them.
Further, Qatar adopts zero tolerance policy against drinking and driving. Offenders will be detained, fined and banned from driving.
Drinking Alcohol
Alcohol consumption involves several restrictions. Hotels and clubs offers alcohol but if you wish to purchase alcohol for personal consumption you need to obtain a permit or license by submitting a letter from employer, signed and stampped by authorized signatory, stating your position, basic salary, accomodation, marital status, religious affiliation, valid passport, residence permit and a deposit.
Drunken driving, public intoxication and other alcohol-related offenses are punishable and can result to imprisonment, fines or even deportation.
Dress Code/Behavior
Qatar is an Islamic country and their culture and traditions are well practiced. So if you wish to visit or stay you should respect their customs and traditions. The country does not permit dressing in a revealling or provocative manner, including wearing of sleeveless shirts and blouses, halter tops and shorts. Western bathing attire is acceptable only at hotel pools and beaches.
Insulting somebody in public or getting involved in foul language/gestures can often result in arrest, fines or overnight imprisonment.
Homosexuality is illegal and is considered a criminal offense and those convicted may be subjected to imprisonment and or deportation. Also, intimacy on public between men and women, including teenagers, can lead to arrest.
Religion
Qatar, knowing of it's culture and traditions is an Islamic country. So most people here are Muslims and believes in their God Allah. They are very devoted to praying to Allah. They pray around 4 times a day or more. Whenever they are praying please do respect and wait till he/she finishes praying. Especially when it's Ramadan, you are expected to abide their laws and never ever eat in front of them or in public.
The country allows the practice of your own religion. Religious complex is available in the area wherein most churches or chapels are located for those other religions.
Just never argue about religious beliefs or talk something about religion whenever you are in public.
Crime
Qatar is comparatively a trouble-free nation, with low incidence of crime. However, it is better to be aware that there is the threat from terrorism that is otherwise seen in the region.
Police visibility are noticeable especially in most populated area of the country. Theft, robbery, hold-up are not commonly seen in the country but still be cautious enough with your things.
If so happen you become a victim of a crime, local police or nearest embassy or consulate can be contacted. Criminal offenses are liable to severe punishment and in most cases, they are more severe than in our home countries.
If any local laws in Qatar are violated, nothing can prevent an arrest or prosecution. Hence, it is important to know what is legal and what is not, wherever you go.
Qatar is not as liberal as UAE or Dubai, but is definitely more liberal than Saudi Arabia. Laws are strictly implemented and violation of any law are punishable depending on the extent of the violation. Here are some basic laws followed in the State of Qatar applicable for Expats:
Entry/Exit Requirements
Qatar can be reached by travelling through land, seas, and air. The country grants tourist and visit visas for nationals of most countries. Qatar has visitor travel arrangements with 33 countries, so for many tourists a visa will be issued upon arrival. Meanwhile, visit visas can be obtained at the borders but this only has a short period of validity. If you travel by land and sea you can apply at border points however sometimes you will have to apply for it in advance. Visitors who do not fall into the list of non-visa categories will have to obtain a tourist visa in advance through their embassies. And if you wish to exit the country, an exit permit from your sponsor is also needed especially for foreign nationals.
Once in, you should always carry a copy of your passport at all times, so that if questioned by local officials, proof of identity and citizenship is easily available. Before, employers were holding the passport of their employees during their stay but the new law has forbidden this practice except only for visa and immigration processing.
Qatar has restrictions for HIV/AIDS visitors and any other communicable disease, and does not permit individuals affected to live in the country. Medical exams are prerequisite especially for long term visitors and residents.
Customs Regulations
Qatar doesn't permit carrying of prohibited items such as knives, daggers, pornographic materials and many others. A special permit is needed if you wish to carry with you a firearm or ammunitions.
It should also be noted that trafficking in illegal drugs can lead to mandatory death penalty so never ever get involve in drugs if you still care about your life and your family.
For pet lovers who want to bring with them their pets, you have to obtain first an import permit from Ministry of Agriculture. But certain breed of dogs particularly large dogs and breeds that are otherwise aggressive are not allowed. Hence, application forms for import permit should be obtained through a sponsoring employer through the Ministry of Agriculture. Copy of pets health certificate and vaccination should be submitted together with the application form.
Identity Card
All permanent resident should have and carry an identity card with them all the time. For Expats, it is acquired after passing the medical exam. This card is required for all dealings with government ministries. It is also used for registration at banks, clubs, schools and others. Without this card you can't just go roaming around. Children below 18 years of age is not required to have ID.
Traffic Laws
If you wish to drive you should obtain your permanent Qatari driving license immediately upon arrival. You are not permitted to drive a vehicle using your home country drivers license unless you hold an international driving license.
You should also abide with their traffic regulations or else a big fine awaits for you. CCTV are found everywhere in the road so you can never scape a violation. A text message will be sent to you by traffic headquarters informing you of your violation and fine you need to settle if so happen you violated a traffic rule. Avoid also arguments on road over traffic incidents, particularly with Qatari nationals. You can be detained for injuries you have caused them.
Further, Qatar adopts zero tolerance policy against drinking and driving. Offenders will be detained, fined and banned from driving.
Drinking Alcohol
Alcohol consumption involves several restrictions. Hotels and clubs offers alcohol but if you wish to purchase alcohol for personal consumption you need to obtain a permit or license by submitting a letter from employer, signed and stampped by authorized signatory, stating your position, basic salary, accomodation, marital status, religious affiliation, valid passport, residence permit and a deposit.
Drunken driving, public intoxication and other alcohol-related offenses are punishable and can result to imprisonment, fines or even deportation.
Dress Code/Behavior
Qatar is an Islamic country and their culture and traditions are well practiced. So if you wish to visit or stay you should respect their customs and traditions. The country does not permit dressing in a revealling or provocative manner, including wearing of sleeveless shirts and blouses, halter tops and shorts. Western bathing attire is acceptable only at hotel pools and beaches.
Insulting somebody in public or getting involved in foul language/gestures can often result in arrest, fines or overnight imprisonment.
Homosexuality is illegal and is considered a criminal offense and those convicted may be subjected to imprisonment and or deportation. Also, intimacy on public between men and women, including teenagers, can lead to arrest.
Religion
Qatar, knowing of it's culture and traditions is an Islamic country. So most people here are Muslims and believes in their God Allah. They are very devoted to praying to Allah. They pray around 4 times a day or more. Whenever they are praying please do respect and wait till he/she finishes praying. Especially when it's Ramadan, you are expected to abide their laws and never ever eat in front of them or in public.
The country allows the practice of your own religion. Religious complex is available in the area wherein most churches or chapels are located for those other religions.
Just never argue about religious beliefs or talk something about religion whenever you are in public.
Crime
Qatar is comparatively a trouble-free nation, with low incidence of crime. However, it is better to be aware that there is the threat from terrorism that is otherwise seen in the region.
Police visibility are noticeable especially in most populated area of the country. Theft, robbery, hold-up are not commonly seen in the country but still be cautious enough with your things.
If so happen you become a victim of a crime, local police or nearest embassy or consulate can be contacted. Criminal offenses are liable to severe punishment and in most cases, they are more severe than in our home countries.
If any local laws in Qatar are violated, nothing can prevent an arrest or prosecution. Hence, it is important to know what is legal and what is not, wherever you go.
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