RP / Exit Visa
Could anybody please explain the procedure that needs to be followed to leave the country for a couple of days before your RP has been issued? I need to attend my son's university graduation ceremony which might be before my RP has been issued. Is this purely an arrangement with my employer?
Furthermore, could anybody tell me roughly how long it takes to get a RP issued?
sa_japie
Thats the good idea ask your PRO...If there is no problem to your application it can be easily process w/in 3days..It depends to your PRO how to process your RP, ASAP!
Thank you all for the comments. I will be speaking to the company PRO about my situation.
Ciao
sa_japie
Exiting from qatar during your RP is under process, is very much possible.
Your company has to apply for a interim visa which is known as "RETAIN VISA" issued for 14 days on a very nominal charges. With this you can leave the country while still your initial RP is retained and you can resume your RP process after you return back into the country, but one has to make sure he or she returns back into the country withing 2 weeks. Normally so called "RETAIN VISAS" are issued in one or two days.
However "RETAIN VISA" cannot be obtained if your passport has already been submitted to emigration for Visa stamping. If that's your case, then anyway's it takes only 2 to 3 working days to get back your passport with your Work permit stamped.
RETAIN VISA's is possible anytime since you entered qatar till the day your passport is submitted to emigration for Visa Stamping.
Your Company's PRO should be able to provide more information in this regard.
How long will you be in the country before you have to leave for the graduation? Maybe you can initially come in on a tourist visa? Then no problem leaving. Just an idea.
Also found this at www.moi.gov.qa/english
7. Multiple-entry Business Visa
The Ministry of Interior issues approval. The sponsor handles fees and collection of visa, usually given within 24 hours.
Maybe this applies to your situation?
It took me about 5 weeks to get my RP issued. I was told that if I left the country before the RP was issued I would have to start the whole RP and work permit application from scratch and would be banned from returning to Qatar for two years.
Once you have the RP an exit permit is pretty simple. You give your passport (with the RP) to the PRO in your office and they get you ypur exit visa. In my company, this takes about three hours to achieve.
In summary, I don't think you can leave Qatar until you have your RP.