From today, most of Qatar’s expatriates will not need an exit permit to leave country

Today is going to be a historic day for the country as the new law, which does away with the need of exit permits for a majority of Qatar’s expatriate workers, will come into effect.

HH The Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani had recently passed Law No. 13 of 2018, which amended certain provisions of the Law No. 21 of 2015 regulating the entry, exit and residency of expatriates.

It was met with widespread support and praise from around the world.

While a majority of expatriate workers will be covered under the new law, about 5% of staff in key positions will still need prior approval of exit permits in order to leave the country.

The Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs (MADLSA) had requested all companies in Qatar to prepare a list with names of employees who require approval for an exit permit.

They have also been asked to send it to the Ministry through via a special platform launched by MADLSA.

The Ministry of Interior, in a post on its Arabic page on Facebook, said the new rule would come into effect today.

Many people expressed their joy and happiness at the move, but some of them were also apprehensive about whether they will be included in the 5%.

While some asked who would let them know about their presence in the list of people who still needs exit permits, others were very happy with Qatar’s determination to move ahead despite heavy odds.